Seeking Stars Art Models Visit Placek Ford Models

By Paul Placek

Nine beautiful models from four states (MD, VA, WV, PA) graced our Kent Island, MD collection of a red 1955 Ford golf cart, a black ‘n yellow 1956 golf cart, and their larger color-coordinated and full-size cars—a red 1955 Sunliner and black ‘n yellow 1955 Ford glasstop. Never in history have so many drop-dead gorgeous models visited such beautiful Ford models.

The two Club Car golf carts converted to half-sized 1955 and 1956 Fords were built by CVA superstar Bob Haas two decades ago. He used all-steel original bodies from Ford parts cars. Both small cars have 11 HP Kohler gas engines with electric start, and the lights and horns all work. I purchased both some years ago and repainted them to match the colors of my 1955 Sunliner and 1955 Glasstop. Fewer than a dozen all-metal Club Car golf cart Fords have ever been custom built. These are not kit cars or fiberglass. On the other hand, 49,966 1955 Ford Sunliners and 1,999 1955 Ford Glasstops were built. I spent blood, sweat, tears, years and money to restore the full-sized 1955’s which I own. However, each beautiful model that joined us that day is one-of-a-kind.

While the Ford models originated in Detroit, the nine participant models are from a group of creative volunteers called Seeking Stars Art (www.facebook.com/seekingstarsart). This is an art entertainment group founded by Melissa Craig, which specializes in photo shoots, fundraisers and runway shows, while advocating for The Arts. She has developed a collaborative process for events that allows participants to express their own creativity, while letting their “art give back” to communities and charitable organizations. The collaboration that took place at our Kent Island home paired futuristic costume designs by Brande Wilkerson of VVB Design Studio (www.facebook.com/Victoryvintageboutique), face and body paint by Creative Friends Facepainting, and Fords from my private collection. Cover models were (left to right): Morgan Elliott, Paige Lowe, Molly Heaney, Issabelle Heaney, Franchesca Aloi, Danielle Bergida, Rylee Chamberlain, Julia Holsinger, and Morgan Rigsby, with photography provided by Jason and Melissa Craig, Cindy Armstrong and Anne LeBlanc.

Morgan Elliott – Sophomore majoring in Animal Science and Nutrition at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

Paige Lowe – Freshman majoring in Graphics Technology at Pierpont Community & Technical College in Fairmont, WV.

Molly Heaney – Sophomore in High School, in Gainesville, VA.

Issabelle Heaney – “Izzy” is a Senior in High School, in Gainesville, VA.

Franchesca Aloi – Junior majoring in Elementary Education at Fairmont State University, in Fairmont, WV, who recently wrote and recorded a Christian single online called “Saved”.

Danielle Bergida – Freshman majoring in Psychology at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.

Rylee Chamberlain – Free-lance photographer and model from Bridgeport, WV.

Julia Holsinger – Junior majoring in Criminology with an Anthropology minor at Penn State University in State College, PA.

Morgan Rigsby – Sophomore in Liberal Arts at St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD.

While all the models are fierce beauties, they are also quite serious about obtaining their academic degrees, promoting The Arts, and giving back to their communities. They have all actively participated in fundraising efforts, ongoing artist promotions, and community events in their home states and on the road.

Melissa and Jason are new neighbors to us in Maryland, having moved here in May 2020. Six years ago, Melissa founded Seeking Stars Art, an art entertainment, collaboration and production group offering unique opportunities to those seeking new ways to promote their art, while giving back along the way. From fine art on the walls, to wearable art on the runway models, Melissa has produced “art immersive experiences” in VA, WV, MD, PA, and DC. She helps to promote some artists and galleries exclusively, and has over 100 models, singers, dancers and actors who regularly volunteer at her shows and events. She has multiple promotional partners that work with her to provide everything from catering to talent management services. Melissa maintains a strong social media presence and has a combined total of over 10,000 Facebook and Instagram followers. She is a retired Federal Aviation Administration communications specialist, former member of the Board of Directors for the Middleburg Cultural Museum and a former Chair of the Middleburg Arts Council.

Melissa is now a member of the Board of Directors for Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District. She is also manages the membership for the Kent Island Federation of Art. We are so grateful that Melissa brought her models to our home. Now, we can share the wonderful personal and visual experience with CVA members!

Paul and Becky Placek
Kent Island, MD