Sculpture in Motion brings classic cars back to Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens on Saturday

A recent staple of the early arts and culture season returns this weekend, with a special guest to help honor local veterans and Gold Star families as visitors enjoy the history and art of the motor vehicle.

Sculpture in Motion, now in its seventh year, is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach. Thirteen pre- and post-war automobiles — plus military vehicles from the Project 425 collection — will be positioned throughout the gardens. There also will be activities for families.

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"We are thrilled to have another extraordinary exhibition," said Frances Fisher, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens board chairwoman and co-chair of Sculpture in Motion. "The caliber of the automobiles and the array of collectors is truly spectacular.

This year's event also features an appearance from retired Army Ranger Sgt. Matt Eversmann, who team was the inspiration for the book and blockbuster film "Black Hawk Down," which starred actor Josh Hartnett as Eversmann.

"I think that is going to add a very meaningful dimension to our presentation to families and veterans," Fisher said. "And of course, it's an important week, Thanksgiving, to be grateful for all of our veterans and active military."

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Among the rare and collector vehicles on display: a 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Super Gioiello, a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Comp and a 1952 Daimler DB18 Hooper & Co. Drophead Coupe. A 1952 Muntz Jet, seen as one of the first luxury cars, will be included, as well as a 1962 Lotus Elite Series II. A 1929 Rolls-Royce York Roadster Phantom I, one of only five made and with 19,000 miles, was owned by the notorious millionaire Tommy Manville, who had 11 wives over 13 marriages.

Throughout the day, automotive historians will offer tours while guests vote for which vehicles will be dubbed "Most Artistic," "Most Elegant," People's Choice," "Young Connoisseur" and "Sculptural Speed."

At 2 p.m. Saturday, event Grand Marshall Donald Osborne — classic car historian, author and host of the TV show "Jay Leno's Garage" — will share a presentation about an exhibition of classic vehicles happening now at the Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport, Rhode Island.

While the event begins at the gardens, it concludes with the Grand Tour Parade of Cars with about 40 vehicles that will carry the Gold Star families and veterans on a 5-mile route that travels across the Flagler Memorial Bridge, through the town of Palm Beach to the Flagler Museum and a Champagne toast, Fisher said.

"I think the most important piece of this year is really how special these cars are," she said. "They're always special, but we have grown so much."

The event is a labor of love, said Fisher, whose own 1939 Delahaye convertible, nicknamed Ruby, has been featured in previous events.

"Collecting these automobiles is such a passion for quite a few in Palm Beach, and to welcome other collectors from different parts of the country to show their cars in the gorgeous garden setting and celebrate together, it's a very special friendship we share around Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens," Fisher said.

John Barnes returns as Sculpture in Motion's curator, with honorary chair Chuck Mitchell and co-chairs Christine and Bill Aylward, Sarah and Tim Benitz, Perri and Robert Bishop, Kim and Stephen Bruno, Samantha and Brendan Carroll, Frances and Jeffrey Fisher, Martha Glasser, Audrey and Martin Gruss, Jeff Koons, Sam Lehrman and Maureen Kelly, LinQing Yang and Cameron Lickle, Helene and Matt Lorentzen, Harvey and Christina Oyer, Jill Shibles, Beckie and Drew Stoddard and David Miller and Ray Wakefield.

If you go

What: Sculpture in Motion: The Art of Pre- and Post-War Automobiles

Where: Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, with parking just north of the gardens at Palm Beach Day Academy, 1901 S. Flagler Drive.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $30 for adults, $25 for Ann Norton members and seniors, $12 for children ages 18 and younger

Information: Call 561-832-5328 or go to www.ansg.org

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Sculpture in Motion at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach