In honor of this year's Harley-Davidson's 110th Anniversary Celebration, RAM presents over 15 portraits captured by Michael Pry, now in the collection of the Racine Art Museum. Open August 30 through November 30, 2013 at RAM's Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, Michael Pry: The Harley Portraits features photographs taken during Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company's centennial celebration a decade ago. 

Michael Pry, Ken, Computer Programmer, Carnation, Washington, 2003 Silver gelatin print

In 2003, Michael Pry captured the images of several event attendees using his large format camera. Printed directly from the original 5 x 7 inch negatives, Pry's black-and-white photographic portraits-taken in a tent on the event grounds-chronicle, in the artist's own words, "the people that ride." While the similar format-rider(s) posed on a chair and facing the camera in a full body shot-lends a visual continuity, the individuality and character of each Harley rider is revealed through Pry's careful handling of his subject matter.

These photographs were also published in a 2004 book, Harley Nation: A Visual Tour. About the book, Pry states, "Harley Nation was truly a labor of love for me as I have always wanted to produce a body of work on the people that ride. Ever since my childhood I have been fascinated with Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. I suspect, with great confidence, I'm not alone in this fascination. Even after pouring over my proofs hundreds if not thousands of times I find the images fresh and new with each and every viewing. Harley Nation affords us a most unique visual tour."

Join Michael Pry for a booksigning on Thursday, August 29, 6:30 - 7:30 pm at RAM's Wustum Museum, located at 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine. Softbound editions of Harley Nation: A Visual Tour will be available for purchase at RAM's Wustum Museum for $29.95 as well at Racine Art Museum Store in downtown Racine. Copies may be reserved by calling the Museum Store at 262.638.8200.

This exhibition is made possible by Presenting Sponsors - Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd, The Estate of Emile H. Mathis II, in Memory of his Parents: Emil H. and Anna T. Mathis, SC Johnson, Windgate Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsors - National Endowment for the Arts, Racine United Arts Fund; Silver Sponsors - Elwood Corporation, Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, Racine Community Foundation, W.T. Walker Group, Inc., Wisconsin Arts Board; Bronze Sponsors - The A.C. Buhler Family, CNH America LLC, Corner House, E.C. Styberg Foundation, Inc., Educators Credit Union, In Sink Erator, The Norbell Foundation, Real Racine, Robert W. Baird & Co., Runzheimer Foundation, Ruud Family Foundation.