“Sleek: The Art of the Helmet” explores the racing helmet’s art and design and the stories behind the designs. The exhibition is led by guest curator and local Indianapolis creative Amiah Mims.

Helmets and their design are some of the most remarkable intersections of art and engineering. They have been and continue to be a significant part of racing history.  The exhibition includes historic helmets, helmets worn by current INDYCAR drivers, and helmets created by local artists. Some of the helmets on display include Mario Andretti’s from his 1993 season, Jimmie Johnson’s helmet from his 2012 Brickyard 400 win, and Alexander Rossi’s 2018 Indianapolis 500 helmet.

Nine of the helmets on display are designed by selected local artists. Ranging between ages 18-65 and chosen by a panel composed of Museum exhibition team members and the Indy Arts Council, artists Faith Blackwell, Justin Brown, Grant M. Brownlow, Jessica Bowman, April Knauber, Nancy Lee, Shaunt’e Lewis, Austin Polen, and Greg Potter were free to use materials, methods, and style of their choosing.

You can now bid on one of the helmets designed by the local artists. The auction is live and will close on December 11, 2022.