"Main Street Sturgis" by Greg Benson
This incredible panoramic vision of downtown Sturgis during rally week is certainly one of the most unique pieces of motorcycle art ever created. When you look at this painting you can feel the excitement of being on main street at night. The amount of detail in this image is stunning, and Greg Benson's creative use of hidden images adds even more levels to this unique story painting.
The first Sturgis motorcycle event was organized by "Pappy" Hoel, (hidden image in the sky on the right), in 1938 to generate attention and interest in his Indian motorcycle dealership. Racing was soon added, (hidden images in the trees on the left). The first rally, which was attended by about 20 people, included a group ride up to Mount Rushmore, (hidden image in the sky on the left). Surely Pappy Hoel could not have envisioned Sturgis becoming the incredible event it is today, drawing upwards of 400,000 people from around the world.
Main street is only one aspect of the Sturgis experience. The Black Hills is a beautiful area, rich with wildlife, (buffalo hidden in the center sky), and a dramatic historic past. One visitor to this main street scene reminds us of this rich heritage by calling up the spirit of Crazy Horse, and if you look closely at the smoke from his engine revving burnout, you can feel this great leader's presence.
Greg Benson