Why Is the Mad Hatter Like a Harley?

Airbrush Artist Jesse Galvin Makes Them Both Come Alive.

   He's famous throughout south Texas as the Chagall of the chopper, the Picasso of the Harley, the go-to guy you hunt down when you want your bike to look as hot as it rides. If you live in Houston, you're familiar with his work though you may not recognize it when you see it Ò that bumblebee strumming an electric guitar on the side of the monster truck? That's Jesse Galvan.

   Jesse Galvan's airbrushed flames, skulls, and babes adorn a thousand helmets. His customized designs have been featured in Low Rider Magazine and his King Krunch paint scheme was picked up by the world-famous Hot Wheels for its 2002 toy catalog.

    But painting circus wagons? That's a first for the multi-talented artist who will be in Harlingen, Texas until January 13 refurbishing Circus Chimera's trucks and trailers with his magic paintbrush.

    "Circus Chimera's show this year is based around Alice In Wonderland," explains Circus Chimera associate producer and ringmaster, Roy Ordaz. "And though the days of circus parades with their elaborate wagons are gone, audiences still spend hours before a show wandering around the lot looking at circus trailers. We hired Jesse Galvan to paint murals of the beloved Alice In Wonderland characters to give them a taste of the show they'll see.

    "Painted circus wagons are an old American tradition," says Galvan. "But it's not all that different from customizing cars. This is art that's part of everyday life. Not some painting that's going to hang in a museum. This is art that everybody's going to see."

    Circus Chimera is a unique, theatrical-style circus that celebrates the Circus Arts while retaining the traditions of the traveling tent. The intimate one ring setting under a 60-foot high Big Top provides children and families up-close and personal exposure to the stunning human endurance and ingenuity that defines the circus experience. After wintering in Harlingen, Texas this year, the Hugo, Okalahoma-based circus opens its 2006 season in nearby Brownsville on February 2. But they'll be back in Harlingen February 9th through February 12th at the lot next to Wal-Mart, in an engagement sponsored by the Valley AIDs Council.

   Circus Chimera tickets may be ordered by phone (1-888-663-7464) or online (www.circuschimera.com)