LAST CARGO VAN IN FLORIDA IS A TALL TETRIS UPGRADE

THE CARGO VAN

#ChristineAdeleArts

The last cargo van in Florida is a tall Tetris upgrade for Christine Adele Moore who previously drove a mini van for art shows across the country. This is a fun Q&A with the artist about the adventure of finding the van and the exciting ways this impacts travel, deliveries, and general comfort for the driver.

What were you driving before and for how long?

I was shoving everything into a Toyota Sienna that had the seats removed.  It was a challenging game of Tetris every time!

Approx how many miles did it accumulate?

Started driving it two years ago and it had just about 11,000 miles on it.  Now it is up to over 50,000 k.  I plan to keep it for personal use between shows.

When did you decide to get “the van?”

I had the intention to purchase this kind of van in March of 2020, just before Covid 19 hit the world like a hard slap in the face. For obvious reasons, I decided to delay the purchase.  Now, about to embark on a very busy summer and fall with travels to NY, IA, IL, CO, MI and VA, I decided I could delay no longer.

How hard was it to find this one?

VERY!!!  Apparently there is a huge new vehicle shortage (which was a surprise to me as I never read or watch the news anymore) and I thought I was going to have to purchase a used van that had 50,000 miles on it already.  I caught a lucky break when I found this van two hours away in Tampa.  Not a great time to buy, though!  Difficult to negotiate a better price when your buying the last new cargo van in Florida.....

What are a couple of major differences you’ll experience with this van versus what you had? 

First, The SPACE!!! I will be able to bring my entire inventory with me on the road.  Wonderful in case i get an online sale as I can ship from any state that I happen to be in. I also hope to be able to bring my Great Dane, Molly with me to some of the shows so this vehicle should be able to accommodate that.   I love that this van has great safety features as well, like back up camera and blind spot assistance. Being up so high is fun, too, as I can see around traffic and spy on other people in lower cars.  Now I can see who drives without pants on, haha.

MOLLY

“She makes me laugh every day.”

Are you the kind of human who names a vehicle? If so, what is his/her/their name?

I named the first vehicle I owned as a teen but not since them.  Maybe as we experience the country together one will evolve.

“Space for BIG paintings, which I love to make.”

- Christine Adele Moore

How long does it typically take to pack the van for a show? 

It will take at least an entire day to pack for this maiden voyage as I will be able to include so much more than I used to in the mini van.  It wont take so long in the future as much of the equipment can now live in the van.  It used to take 2-3 hours to pack for a trip in the Toyota.

Why is it so much taller than a regular one with the curved slanted area on top?

For biiiiiiiiiig paintings, which I love to make!  It also makes finding things in the van so much more comfortable as you can stand at full height.

Does this require a special license?

Nope.  Just have to remember how tall I am and not to go under any low overhangs....

It looks so brand spanking new squeaky clean. Is that going to last long?

Haha, well......I could lie to myself and say that I will keep it pristine but anyone that knows me could tell you that’s ridiculous.  The rigors of Art Festival life will take it’s toll soon enough on this beauty.  Every scar brings a story and character, though!

Other than the commission delivery – where will the van go on its first art show adventure?

Southampton!  Can’t wait 😁👏

Art Life

“The rigors of art festival life will take it’s toll soon enough on this beauty. Every scar brings a story and character.” - Christine Adele Moore