An intimate connection to a work of art can be much like a relationship with an old car, at least for SantiagoMichalek. The artist, who previously owned a business restoring vintage Volkswagen bugs and buses, is fascinatedby the emotional attachment and nostalgia that we often place on old vehicles. His first career found himconnecting with people over stories and experiences with cars in his shop. His current work as a painter does thesame; except instead of using wrenches and welders, he’s switched to paint and canvas to revive the narrativesthat exist under rusted metal frames and worn out engines. “I’ve heard such intimate stories and memories whileworking on these cars,” says Michalek. “And I’ve realized the same connections are now happening through mypaintings.”