The Striped Door and Take 121 Arts Galleries are proud to announce that on November 10th they will be hosting "Steve McQueen: The Last Mile" an exhibition of rare and private limited edition photographs taken by Steve McQueen's widow, Barbara McQueen. The exhibition coincides with the publication of the book of the same name, written by Barbara and acclaimed McQueen biographer Marshall Terrill.

The Striped Door Gallery and Take 121 Arts will be offering a signed copy of the book with each exclusive limited edition photograph sold during this extraordinary event being held at The Striped Door Gallery at 530 3rd Ave. South in Nashville on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Barbara's photographs record a behind-the-scenes life of personal pleasures and enthusiasms. They include hitting the road in Steve's pickup trucks, visiting collectors' shows and swap-meets, driving 700 miles to view a rare World War I motorcycle, flying a vintage mail plane, and generally ducking out of Hollywood life. But when work did call, Barbara was also on hand to capture marvelous candid shots on the sets of McQueen's two last films, "Tom Horn" and "The Hunter."

The life and career of Steve McQueen is a classic example of the American dream made real: of a small town boy from a broken home triumphing over adversity to become one of the richest and most sought-after superstars in the world. McQueen lived every day as if it were his last, and by doing so he lived an extraordinary life, both on screen and off.

Barbara McQueen's "Steve McQueen: The Last Mile" exhibit tells the story of a simple love affair with life. Barbara, who had carved a very successful career for herself as a fashion model, met Steve McQueen in 1977. Together for less than four years, these rare and private photographs share Steve's rugged, blue-eyed features him in a relaxed and uninhibited setting, doing the things he loved. Barbara's photographs (all of which are for sale) show a tough guy at peace but who retained an inner strength. In one particularly striking shot his hair is wild, his beard thick, and unkempt, and he is looking over his shoulder with a troubled vulnerability. Barbara catches him unaware perhaps in a deeply pensive mood.

This rare treat on November 10th for collectors and fans will be an event to remember and includes additional never produced before, private photographs reproduced by Nancy Lee Andrews just for this Nashville exhibit. The Striped Door Gallery's Director Peggy Cooper says, "Steve McQueen's memorabilia has always been desirable: a pair of sunglasses he wore in 'The Thomas Crown Affair' went for over $70,000 at a recent auction in Los Angeles and one of his motorcycles, a 1937 Crocker, sold for a world record price of $276,500 at the same event. These photographs at The Striped Door Gallery will provide you an opportunity to buy and own your own collectible item from this legend."

R&B Cycles will have motorcycles on display to commemorate the "King of Cool". Alley Cat caterers will provide the food and Lipman Brothers wine will be served during the evening. Lightning 101 will be on hand and Peter Moon Band will entertain you as you browse through these exclusive photographs framed by Take 121 Arts.

Barbara McQueen will be at the opening event on November 10th and available for signing your books. The exhibit will be at The Striped Door Gallery through November. For information or questions, please contact us at 615-244-4228.

About Striped Door

The Striped Door is one of Nashville's newest additions to the pool of talent found in Nashville's art world. Owned by Nashvillians, Cheryl and Joe Strichik, the Striped Door Gallery's mission is to showcase a mixture of up- and-coming and established artists from Nashville and beyond who capture our imagination and tell part of our story. "Our goal is to have art for everyone," says owner and founder, Cheryl Strichik. Each Striped Door opening will serve up tasty portions of art, music, and interaction. Not merely a place to quietly file past the artwork that lines the walls, the Striped Door Gallery openings are a social event within themselves, attracting a network of Nashville creatives, from music to production to design. And now the Striped Door is opening its largest gallery to the public for meetings, parties, music events, and other celebrations. 615-244-4228

Striped Door Gallery
530 3rd Ave. South
Nashville, TN 37210
United States
ph: 615.244.4228
fax: 800.611.4016
alt: 800.575.8088