An exhibition of rare and iconic automotive designs.
For more than 25 years, the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology has sponsored EyesOn Design, an annual international exhibition that celebrates automotive design excellence of the past, present and future. Held on Father’s Day at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, the show features a new theme each year.
An innovative format
This unique EyesOn Design show differs from other car shows, in that it celebrates design in all vehicle categories – from pre-war classics, sports cars and exotic foreign makes to muscle cars, hot rods, customs and motorcycles. In addition, the show is completely focused on the design alone. It does not focus on vehicle restoration, provenance, rarity or vehicle dollar value. Instead, automotive designers choose the theme, play a role in the selection of vehicle categories, plan each of the sub-events and approve poster art, graphic design and other aspects of the show’s format.
EyesOn Design features
In addition to the main car show, the EyesOn Design car show features several related events and programs both before and during the event weekend, including:
- Eve of Eyes: As the inaugural event for the EyesOn Design weekend, this informal reception brings together automotive and design enthusiasts.
- Vision Honored: This formal black-tie event, limited to 500 people, honors the winner of the annual EyesOn Design Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a vehicle designer’s distinguished career in automotive design.
- Garage Crawl: Held on Saturday, this event offers the public the opportunity to visit a local car collector’s garage and view a private collection of vehicles. Admission is charged and the proceeds benefit the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.
- Private Eyes Brunch: Held on the day of the car show, this brunch offers another opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to connect, before enjoying the car show itself.
- Poster sales: Each EyesOn Design car show features a distinctive poster commissioned by an automotive artist. Copies of the poster are sold during the show, and proceeds benefit the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. Previous year posters are also available for purchase from the DIO.
Judging and awards
Vehicle judging is conducted exclusively by automotive designers from original equipment manufacturers from around the world. The exterior of each vehicle is judged using professional design criteria, including emotional appeal, execution, artistic excellence, and design character and continuity. In addition, the interior of each vehicle is evaluated according to a number of criteria, including appearance, functionality, use of color and materials, and compatibility with the vehicle’s exterior. Judging results are certified by a third-party accounting firm to ensure integrity.
Vehicle entries are eligible to win several awards, including one that is judged and presented by visually impaired adults, members of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s Adult “Visionaries” support group. For this award, visually impaired and blind men and women wear white gloves and select, strictly by touch, a winner. This aspect of having visually impaired judges at the event continues to make EyesOn Design a truly unique car show.
Display vehicles
Vehicles displayed at EyesOn Design are by invitation only. If you have or know of a vehicle you would like to have displayed at EyesOn Design, please contact the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology at (313) 824-4710.
Sponsors and volunteers
All EyesOn Design events provide financial support and raise awareness for aid to the visually impaired through the work of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. There are also many opportunities for volunteers at the EyesOn Design car show, including staffing tents, driving shuttles and vans, helping out with logistics or volunteering at the Friends of Vision Raffle.
For more information about the EyesOn Design car show, go to eyesondesigncarshow.com or call the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology at (313) 824-4710.
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