Men’s Arts Council to Present Highly Anticipated 8th Annual Copperstate Overland
By Michelle Talsma Everson -
Saturday Sep 17, 2022
This September, the Men’s Art Council of Phoenix Art Museum, will host the 2022 Copperstate Overland. A sister event of the Copperstate 1000, one of the premier vintage car road rallies in North America, the Copperstate Overland is a fully supported on-road/off-road driving adventure open to vintage off-road vehicles.
“While we've been organizing the Copperstate Overland for several years, we strive to make each event bigger, better and more enjoyable than the last,†said Joel Coen, President of the Men’s Arts Council. “Those who participate are true vintage off-road enthusiasts looking to have a one of a kind, fulfilling trip.â€
The Copperstate Overland offers participants a first-rate, fully catered, and supported off-road driving experience. Each year, members of the Men's Art Council carefully plan unique routes through Arizona's beautiful desert terrain, verdant river valleys, and alpine landscape. During the rally, the council maintains an overland route through both private and public property in some of Arizona's most beautiful regions, attracting vehicles from all over the world.
“Each year we present a new outdoor adventure, from houseboats to rustic mountain lodges. One year we set up Camp Overland with Safari tents that included beds, rugs, lights, and heaters inside each one. Drivers parked their 4x4s next to their tent after a day of driving and enjoyed a cocktail while hanging around the campfire. This year, it's sure to be a chilly campsite near the mountain town of Alpine, the highest incorporated township in Arizona,†said Coen.
Participants take on the five-day journey trusting in their well-maintained, and occasionally stealthily modified, pre-1979 4x4 Off Road vehicles. Ranging from an American-as-apple-pie 1970 International Scout lovingly restored and upgraded with a Cummins engine and modern 8 speed automatic, to a tried-and-true 1979 Toyota FJ43 originally delivered for use in Colombia and still sporting its original factory color, and as esoteric as an Austrian made Pinzgauer with 3 axles and all original equipment, able to traverse the most challenging of water-crossings, mountain passes, and desert dunes. These amazing vehicles are just 3 of the nearly 2 dozen classic automobiles that pass through the epic landscapes of Arizona.
“My wife Kat and I have participated in each of the seven prior Copperstate Overland rallies, and have always had a great time,†said Mike Christodolou. “Every year, we eagerly await the chance to go on this four-day expedition with other intrepid travelers to explore beautiful offroad regions of Arizona.â€
The Copperstate Overland has become a premium event, where the number of drivers is limited to keep it an intimate affair. The goal of the Men’s Arts Council is to come up with amazing routes each year that create a special experience along the way. This annual lifestyle event, which has occurred for 8 straight years, will take place from September 24 to September 28, 2022. For more information, visit https://mensartscouncil.com/copperstate-overland/.
About the Men’s Arts Council
The Men's Arts Council (MAC) of Phoenix Art Museum, founded in January 1967, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports the Museum's programs and activities through unique events such as the Copperstate Overland. The Men's Arts Council's efforts enable the organization to make annual contributions to Phoenix Art Museum's operating budget and financially sponsor exhibitions as well as fund two separate endowments: the Western American Art Endowment Fund and the Men's Arts Council Sculpture Endowment. For more information, visit https://mensartscouncil.com/.