Los Angeles, Calif., June, 2013—Few, if any, have had a more prolific and respected career in custom motorcycle building than Arlen Ness, and the Petersen Automotive Museum is thrilled to honor the man himself and his creations with a Birthday Bash on July 12, followed by a motorcycle cruise-in on July 13 and a special summer-long exhibit titled “Arlen Ness: Art on Two Wheels.”
The Arlen Ness Birthday Bash on July 12 at 6:00 p.m. will include cocktails and dinner in celebration of Ness. Friends of Arlen’s will speak to honor the legend, who will also answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased at www.Petersen.org.
The exhibit will open on Saturday, July 13, marked with a V-Twin Cruise-In from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Anyone who rides a motorcycle to the museum will receive free parking and two-for-one admission to the museum. Arlen will be signing autographs at 11:00 a.m.
“Arlen Ness: Art on Two Wheels,” which runs through Sept. 8, 2013, will feature motorcycle masterpieces built by Arlen Ness that together embody a style and spirit that blends sculpture and the thrill of motoring on two wheels. Alongside Arlen’s bikes will be others built by his son, Cory, and grandson Zach—three generations of the Ness family have crafted some of the most stunning and trendsetting custom motorcycles to ever grace the highway.
Ness began his career in the 1960s with the customization of a 1947 Harley Knucklehead. After entering the bike in local shows, he was noticed by future customers and started a business custom painting bikes. As his popularity grew and demand increased, Ness began selling custom parts and custom motorcycles with a stretched and lowered style, which became the hallmark of his designs. After more than four decades, Ness has a large product line specializing in Victory and Harley-Davidson accessories and has received a variety of awards including Builder of the Year, Lifetime Achievement awards and induction to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
For more information on the Birthday Bash or V-Twin Cruise-In, visit www.Petersen.org.
