Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/727617
25 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nOctober 2016n by Shadow STURGIS, S.D., AUG. 6–13—For every Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since 2001, famed photographer Michael Lichter has conceived, organized and curated his Motorcycles as Art exhibit, fi rst in Rapid City and then, in 2009, relocating to the permanent purpose-built Russ Brown Exhibit Hall near the east gate of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. This year's exhibit was a bitter- sweet tribute to Richie "Pan" Panarra, one of the best artists in the motor- cycle and tattoo worlds. Richie was the proprietor and a working tattooist at Dark Star Tattoo in Toms River, New Jersey, an artist for The Horse magazine, and a talented artist in his own right, working with various materials to express his world views. A few years ago, Michael proposed to Richie an exhibit consisting entirely of Richie's art. Richie agreed and began creating various works to be included. However, in June 2015, Richie met an untimely death, leaving behind his wife Cindy and their three sons, Jason, Dylan and Colin, along with countless friends, clients, and many whom he'd never met who but appreciated his art just the same. Michael still wanted to produce the exhibit, so he opened commu- nications with Cindy, who agreed to go through all Richie's paintings, drawings, and sketches, choosing the pieces that would be featured in the exhibit. Richie had not been able to fi nish enough for the huge exhibit hall, but his works were numerous enough to fi ll about half of the gallery. With the help of Cindy and Richie's close friends, they shipped the works to Sturgis along with Richie's iconic Panhead named "Viola," named after the Grateful Dead song "Viola Lee Blues." The theme, inspired by Richie and selected for this year's exhibit, was Skin & Bones, depicted by the tattoo-inspired motorcycles and art- work displayed in the gallery. Michael invited 30 builders, ranging from those of world renown to younger folks who had previously never shown their work in a major venue. Builders shipped their bikes from Europe, Japan and all over the U.S. to appear in this exclusive exhibit. Viola was displayed on a raised platform, taking the place of honor in the center of the gallery. And surround- ing the rolling sculptures, were works of art hung on all four walls. In addition, 10 artists were chosen to create their interpretations of the Skin & Bones theme and paint their visions on Biltwell helmets. On the fi rst Sunday of the rally, Michael held a media reception and industry party where he introduced a number of the builders and artists, asking them about their works. A very poignant moment came when he called Cindy Panarra up next to Viola and gave her an opportunity to speak to the crowd. Cindy expressed her thanks to the friends that helped her get the artwork to Sturgis, those that came from her home state of New Jersey to support her and honor Richie, and the people that have admired Richie's work over the years. Turns out that Cindy took her fi rst long-distance motorcycle journey to get to the exhibit, riding her Dyna nearly 4,000 miles to Sturgis and back, and with a broken elbow to boot! But nothing was going to keep her from this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to honor her late husband of nearly three decades. And Cindy is looking into starting a foun- dation in Richie's name. Once again, Michael managed to capture the vibe of the current motor- cycle culture while paying tribute to one of the most popular and talented tattooist/artists in the industry. I don't know how he's going to top this fabu- lous exhibit next year. We'll just have to wait and fi nd out. 4 SKIN & BONES TATTOO-INSPIRED motorcycles and artwork Paying homage to a great artist Darren McKeag's Richie Pan-inspired portrait of the man himself was unveiled during the show Richie Pan's artwork often featured religious iconography, but interpreted through his eyes Michael Lichter brings Richie Pan's widow Cindy Panarra up to share the podium with Richie's iconic Panhead, Viola