Richard’s Ride Extra: One Heavy Pontiac

One of the great events you can attend in order to be amazed by artists and their work is ArtPrize in Grand Rapids.

Now, in a way, ArtPrize has come to the Gilmore Car Museum.

A 1940 Pontiac has just been added to the collection at Gilmore, and it does not even have an engine. The car is actually a replica 1940 Pontiac made entirely of bricks. Yes, 12,000 pounds worth, in fact.

The Gilmore says Texas artist Paula Blinco Collins donated the car to the museum in Hickory Corners, having been quite familiar with the red barns and its collection. Her bas brick sculptures - more than 200 of them - are on display all over the country. This entry, called "Mom's Favorite Car", was featured at ArtPrize this fall.

Gilmore CEO Michael Spezia said in a release he expects the piece to quickly become a focal point at the museum.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on WBCK.