One of Us

Justin Felker

Posted

Tell me about Art ‘n Motion.

The idea for the business started to form about five years ago. Art 'n Motion was created to display classic and rare automobiles that are available for sale. Many of the vehicles are collected by the founders, but car owners will sometimes display their rare cars in the building's "showroom" for other car lovers and collectors to enjoy. As a two-story car gallery and dealership, car lovers are welcome to come visit the collection.

What fuels your love of classic automobiles?

It has been an interest since grade school that has gotten stronger over the years. A lot of these cars have a personality to them and an art form. It is interesting to look back at car models over the decades and see the reflection of society at the time in those cars. I have always had an interest in world history and car racing. Classic cars put the past 130 years into something you can interact with, unlike most other forms of art.

Do you have a favorite brand or model of car?

I have never really had a “favorite” brand or model. I have makes and models from all different generations of cars that I am interested in. One model that has always stood out to me, though, is the original Ford GT-40 race cars from the 1960s. It is a beautiful car and the story behind it is exciting. The history of those cars fits right in with the idea of the space race and the Cold War. Ford decided that they were going to beat the world (mainly Ferrari) in road racing. No budget or time constraints would stop them.

Art ‘n Motion will be taking over the Ponte Vedra Auto Show this year. How did that come about?

The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce reached out to us about taking the show over. They still have some involvement in some areas. The Ponte Vedra Auto Show is an event I have been a part of in years past as an entrant and a spectator. It was a perfect fit for us to take over. We had been considering starting a show like this in the future; now with ownership of the PVAS we can focus on growing an already established great local event.

How are things shaping up for the show?

Things are shaping up for a great show. We have some great new partners lined up for this year. Entries are still coming in and looking good. I have gotten a lot of feedback from people that are excited the show is now in November with cooler weather and less chance of rain. We also have some great food vendors this year that people will recognize.

Tell me a little about your background.

I have lived here in the First Coast area my whole life. I was born and raised in Jacksonville. In my college years, my family moved to northern St. Johns County. That is currently the area I live in today. I graduated from Jacksonville University and worked for our family business for a few years until I transitioned into a job working for a local race team. I currently still volunteer a few hours here and there working with them on projects.

What do you like most about living in this area?

This area has always been my home, and I love this area. It is hard for me to really put a finger on what makes it special. I really enjoy the distinct areas of town the First Coast offers.  I am lucky to have family, friends and connections all over town. I am enjoying seeing downtown St. Augustine grow and keep its historical nature at the same time.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I really enjoy all kinds of things. I do not get to do it near as much as I would like, but I enjoy traveling and seeing new places.

I enjoy watching almost any kind of car race or spectating at car shows.

I have tried my hand at off-road desert racing with a close group of friends. This is something I would very much like to do again in the future. I think it is the most challenging thing I have done.

I have always been a big Jaguars fan. It can be a struggle, but being an underdog for so long is going to make that eventual Superbowl appearance even more special. I was at the first home game and have gone to at least half of the home games over the past 25 years.