With the emergence of photorealism in the 1960s, motor vehicles assumed a special place of distinction as subject matter in the iconography of American art.

"LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting," is a traveling exhibition composed of over 55 paintings by nearly 15 leading photorealists and hyperrealists who specialize in automobiles and motorcycles as their primary subject. Their work exemplifies the very best of automotive painting being done today and builds on that of the first wave of photorealists in the '60s and '70s, which included the likes of Harold Cleworth, Don Eddy, Richard Estes, and Ralph Goings.

LUSTER opens at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum on Saturday, Oct. 23, and remains on view through Jan. 2.

The Lyman Allyn will be hosting a Hot Shots party to celebrate the opening of the exhibition on Oct. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. The event will feature classic cars and motorcycles on the Museum's grounds. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best 1950s and '60s retro attire to compete in a costume contest. Local food trucks, breweries and wine merchants will be on hand with free food and drink – Woodfellas Pizza, Greekin' Out Food Truck, Tox Brewing, Dude's Donuts and Spencer & Lynn.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.lymanallyn.org. The fun continues with an After Party at Hot Rod Café in Downtown New London, from 6 to 9 p.m. Proceeds will support the Lyman Allyn.

The museum is located at 625 Williams St., New London. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays and major holidays. For more information call (860) 443-2545, ext. 2129 or visit lymanallyn.org.