'Astrocar' exhibition brings retro-futuristic art to Maine Classic Car Museum

ARUNDEL, Maine — The Maine Classic Car Museum will host “Astrocar,” an art exhibition opening on Friday, July 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.

“We’re pleased to welcome back New England artist Michael Sjostedt to our museum with a fresh and exciting new series of automotive art,” said Gene Prentice, president of the Maine Classic Car Museum. “Over the past few years, Michael has created unique artworks and interactive workshops that have intrigued and delighted our museum visitors.”

Sjostedt said the Astrocar collage series celebrates the retro-futuristic fusion of midcentury design and scientific innovation of classic cars.

“The series transports you to a world where the nostalgia of the past intersects with the infinite possibilities of the future, showcasing the art of motion and the spirit of adventure,” Sjostedt said.

Sjostedt’s work was inspired by the sleek lines, bold colors, and imaginative spirit that defined an era of optimism and boundless possibilities. Each piece—created with vintage car illustrations, chemistry transparencies, and midcentury design elements—invites you to explore an out-of-this-world blend of history and innovation.

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“Michael really is a different kind of artist,” explains museum manager, Louis Braxton Jr. “We are really excited to share his latest collage work, which is both familiar and completely new.”

Sjostedt first discovered the power of collage while assembling a mood board for an unrealized painting project. Ten years later, he has crafted more than a dozen collage series, including several automotive-themed projects.

“I want to explore the motorhead subculture and America’s fascination with the automobile,” Sjostedt said. “My work uses existing pop culture materials, like vintage advertisements from old magazines, and repurposes familiar imagery, unlocking fresh perspectives in highly trafficked subcultures,” he explained.

Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Admission is $25 per person and includes refreshments. For more information, go to mainecarmuseum.com or call 207-602-6620. The Maine Classic Car Museum is located at 2564 Portland Road (US Route 1) in Arundel, Maine.