The development of the ATS series for each of the three standard Mustang packages: Eco-Boost, Eco- Boost High Performance, and the GT (Mach 1, Bullett and Shelby not included) poses the challenge of producing the automobiles for public consideration and potential consumption. The transition from drawing board to reality is no small task! The materials to produce and apply the packages to each car are readily available and can be resourced in the East Tennessee area which makes the immediacy of creating such an automobile plausible. However, the logistics of producing and promoting such a car is not without it obstacles. With an understanding that the cars could be produced in a limited manner and the quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship of its application equal and or surpassing manufacture’s standards, the question arises as to the strategy of how one would approach the development and availability of the special edition car to the public.

As a working artist for over 45 years, nearly half of my commissions were initially speculative on my part, meaning that I approached the perspective patron(s) with an artistic proposal that was customized, in some manner to them specifically. I created a presentation that clearly conveyed not only the creative concept, connected with the corporation, company or individual, but how it would promote their business, mission and or personal aesthetic. A significant portion of my professional relationships with patrons revolves around entities that are non-profits, community development programs and public service outreach. Often, the difference between the project becoming a reality or nothing more than an idea was and is funding.

In many cases, the projects that did come to fruition were due to my capacity to “sale” the idea to the public directly connected with the said patron. This was accomplished by producing a “prototype” of the project, in many case, the form of a print (an artist proof) which was promoted and sold. This was often followed up with a limited edition series of prints based on the artist proof that again were sold and ultimately a budget for funding was achieved, the initial project was realized and a relationship between the artist, patron and the general public was forged.

As a professor of Art at Tusculum University, I insist on my students pursuing relationships with businesses and non-profits while they are still in pursuit of their degree. I instill in them the necessity to be proactive in developing relationships with patrons before they graduate. I am most specific about building bridges with non-profit organizations. Such entities need artists to help perpetuate the organization’s mission and contribution to the community on a regular basis. I customarily include my art majors directly with projects I am involved with to give them hands-on experience with the development and production of aforementioned endeavors with my initial oversight. The ATS Series is one such project.

In the Art Department, we refer to these challenge as “David’s Stone”. The idea is that we have several ideas of which one is chosen as the best proposal and used to “Knock out the Big Problem”. The “problem” is how to approach the production and promotion of the ATS Mustang. The stone is the answer: to create a signal car, the prototype or artist proof, unveil the car to the public, auction the automobile and the funds raised above and beyond the cost of the car are extended to an aforementioned benefactor. Based on the reaction of the general public and the clear possibility of inquiry as how an individual (customer) could get an ATS Mustang could set the stage for consideration of a limited production of the special car. This could be applied to each package under the ATS banner (EB4, RHT and WHX). Each prototype would be auctioned and again the funds would be extended to non-profit organizations that serve the local community (see explanation for “personal commission”).

In 2021, I have been directly involved with the East Tennessee Regional United Way Organizations for 25 consecutive years. Each year, I create a painting of a specific area of our community that represents East Tennessee. This includes historic sites, main streets, parks, destinations of interest and the distinctive landscape of our part of the country. These images are published and given as an expression of gratitude to any contributor who gives above and beyond their yearly giving. This is an annual United Way campaign referred to as the “EXTRA MILE CLUB”. The money raised by this specific effort helps augment the difference between the total amount of annual giving and realizing the budget goal for each year. What was initially a “Thank you!” has now become a primary motivation for individuals to give extra donations every year in exchange for the print.

In the spirit of this mission, I designed the WHX package for the 2021 GT Mustang. This car, painted in black, would be the official pace car of the Bristol Race in August of 2021. The car would have among its many amenities, a special quarter panel racing badge commemorating the event and a leather floor matte in the trunk that is signed by all the race car drivers participating in that specific race. If possible, the car, when auctioned, would only have a 1⁄4 of a mile registered on the odometer. The funds raised for this specific automobile would benefit the Bristol United Way. The ATS series, if initiated as a prototype, is a “win” for all who are involved: the participating dealership, local charities and non-profits, artists and students, not to overlook the attention our region and University could gain by creating what could surely be a special chapter in the history of an American Icon-The Ford Mustang.