Bike Friendly Kalamazoo announces opening of 2021 Public Bike Art Competition

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Wednesday, Bike Friendly Kalamazoo (BFK) announced the opening of its Public Bike Art Competition for 2021.

Officials say the art pieces entered into this contest are intended for display on banners mounted on public lamp poles and other imprinted media, with themes evoking the joys of bicycling.

The competition is backed by $1,750 in cash awards thanks to a grant from The Vicksburg Foundation.

The awards will also be within reach of desktop artists, since entries are submitted digitally. Entries can be sent in at www.fallbikecelebration.org.

The competition is open to U.S. citizens 18 years and older, and is aimed at raising funds for public charitable causes related to bicycling. The deadline for all entries is Thursday September 2, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

Lori Knapp, a member of the Kalamazoo County Public Art Commission and Portage City Council member, is chairing the jury committee.

The committee, comprised of representatives of local art councils, organizations and municipalities will conduct the selection process and certify voting.

Winners will be announced in a public ceremony September 18 on the grounds of the Vicksburg Community Pavilion in the Village of Vicksburg during BFK’s Fall Bike Celebration Weekend.

BFK’s Chair & President Paul Selden said his board was happy with last year’s Competition and decided to run it again.

“Last year our announcements via social media reached more than 80,000 people and drew entries from more than 20 states across the USA,” Selden said. “We were also delighted that Consort Display Group offered the winning banner designs from last year for sale and is donating a portion of the proceeds to raise funds for education, awareness-building and public safety. That this community raised such a generous amount in prize monies during difficult times testifies to the generosity and public spirit of our sponsors and the artistic support found in the Village of Vicksburg, Michigan.”

Competition rules and entry materials are at www.fallbikecelebration.org.

Further Viewing –

Paul Selden spoke with WKZO Wednesday morning about this contest. To listen to the interview, click here.