2016 Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance featured designer announced
JOSEPH, Mich. – Award-winning automotive artist Tom Hale will be the featured designer at the 12th Annual Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan on Saturday, August 13 in St….
JOSEPH, Mich. – Award-winning automotive artist Tom Hale will be the featured designer at the 12th Annual Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan on Saturday, August 13 in St. Joseph, Mich.
In a nod to one of the featured automotive classes in this year’s event, Hale’s painting of a 1936 DeSoto Airflow will be the featured image on the 2016 Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance poster.
From 1966 through 1985, Hale was employed as a designer at American Motors, General Motors, and Chrysler. In 1985, he chose to pursue his art career full time, earning his living exclusively with artwork.
Hale’s love for painting has earned him many awards. His work is shown extensively throughout the nation and has been exhibited in both national and international competitions. Hale has completed over 3,100 original paintings that are in the hands of corporate, private, and individual art collections. His list of clients includes major corporations and individuals from all walks of life that reside in a number of countries.
Hale’s works can be viewed at selected art exhibits around the country, Concours d’Elegance events, and in his gallery/studio in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Applications being accepted
Applications for the 2016 Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance are currently being accepted. Vehicle owners whose automobiles are at least 35 years old and restored to stock specification or in very good original condition are encouraged to apply. The committee is also seeking Nash vehicles produced from 1916 to 1957 for the show’s featured marque. The Nash Motor Company celebrates its centennial in 2016.
Cars and trucks also are needed to complete the following 2016 featured classes:
- Chrysler and De Soto Airflow models produced from 1934 to 1937
- Squad cars, model years 1981 and older
- Jeep vehicles in celebrations of Jeep’s 75th In addition to Jeeps that are 35 years or older, newer Jeep vehicles manufactured between 1982 and 2016 will be considered.
Those interested in submitting an application are invited to apply online at www.ConcoursSWMI.com after January 1. Paper applications also are available. Contact Dar Davis, entrant liaison, at drd43@sbcglobal.net or call 269-983-0742 to receive a paper application or for more information. The application deadline is March 31.
About Lake Bluff Concours d'Elegance
The Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan features Brass, Classic, Vintage, and Muscle Car eras, as well as an array of special-interest vehicles.
The event, which attracted 3,000 spectators in 2015, includes a display of 75 vehicles along tree-lined Lake Bluff Park overlooking Lake Michigan in downtown St. Joseph. Net proceeds from the Lake Bluff Concours benefit Hospice at Home, a Lakeland Health Affiliate. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the 2016 Lake Bluff Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan should contact event chairman Anne Odden at oddena@mac.com.
More information about the event can be found at www.ConcoursSWMI.com and http://facebook.com/ConcoursSWMI.
