The College ofthe Canyons Art Gallery is revving up for the cars and art exhibition titled "Hot Rod!" running from June 21 -July 12, which will showcase car-inspired artwork from several artists.

"The attraction to hot rods is a natural thing for artists and indeed most artists I know are car enthusiasts," said Larry Hurst, the college's art gallery director. "The universal appeal of cars often inspires deep emotion; you love them, hate them,and even give them names."

Although the American Heritage College Dictionary defines "hot rod" as "an automobile that has been rebuilt or modified to increase its speed and acceleration," the exhibition will also include motorcycles.

The artwork on display - made by Robert Williams, Coop, Thom Taylor, Kent Bash, Tom Fritz, John Gallagher, Nick Garcia, Michael Maglich, Bob Sage and Christopher Ulrich - will include technical illustrations, paintings, sculptures, drawings and artifacts.

A reception for the exhibition will be held from noon-5 p.m.June 21 and will include a car show featuring hot rods and race cars outside the gallery, as well as a live performance by The Sound Waves in the college amphitheater.

The Sound Waves are an instrumental surf and oldies band that plays classic oldies with a country sound. The six-member band won first place at the "Taste of the Bands" competition at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro in 2005.

Refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission to the gallery and reception is free.

The COC Art gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors unable to attend during these hours can schedule a viewing appointment by calling 661-362-3612.

For more information about the gallery and the "Hot Rod!" exhibit, please visit the college's website at www.canyons.edu.