Gala Gallery is a new space owned and operated by Tyrue “Slang” Jones, a veteran Chicago artist who helped pioneer Chicago's graffiti scene in the ‘80s. Bike Winter Art show organizers Steven Lane and Stuart Hall are pleased with the space and the show itself. When asked what one might expect from this year’s Bike Winter Art Show, Lane remarked, “This show has come together beautifully and has exceeded our expectations. Thirty-five artists stepped up with an array of work that captures so many aspects of the cycling experience, from the rush of breaking the tape at the finish line, to the sublime slow crawl of a peddling elotes vendor.”
Chicago Public Radio, WBEZ
Bikers Bring Art to
the Masses
Tomorrow is the last Friday of January and a cold day for Critical Mass, a monthly event where bikers swarm the city streets. But this month an art show is giving riders some creative inspiration for braving the elements.
[audio + text]
> see all press clips
Bike Winter Art Show History
I mention this night at Quenchers because it was here that the seed for the Critical Mass Art Show took root. Some of us were talking about the idea as a way to keep the group active through the Winter when the monthly rides were likely to be skimpy. A new rider, Travis, happened to overhear our conversation, and said he knew a gallery we could use. The rest, as they say, is (or will be) history.
- Jim Redd (Ride Report Oct. 1997)
Bike Winter Fashion Show
Gala Gallery, 1000 North Milwaukee Ave
Friday March 9, 7pm-Midnight
Join us at the Bike Winter Art Show for a night of bicycle enthusiasm, cycling camaraderie and rider revelry that’s sure to shake off the winter blues. The benefit kicks off at 8 pm with a family fun puppet show performed by Jabberwocky. The main event, a runway fashion show, starts at 9 pm and is sponsored by Rapid Transit Cycles. The fashion show features Spring 2012 bikes as well as the latest gear from area bikes shops including Blue City Cycles, Boulevard Bikes, Ciclo Urbano, Comrade Cycles, and West Town Bikes. Additionally, a range of vintage fashions provided by online retailer, Lucitebox, will be modeled by stylish women who bike. After the fashion show, deejay Montay spins the beats. The event is free and open to the public.
The Bike Winter Art Show closing party benefits Bike Winter Chicago. The Bike Winter group is a volunteer run, grassroots concern established in 1999 that encourages bicyclists to ride their bikes all year long. Their mission is to get people to break out of winter hibernation mode. Bike Winter Chicago organizes events, activities, and “how-to” workshops that give cyclists plenty of reason to stay in the saddle when the temperatures drop.
Proceeds from the fashion show party will be donated to West Town Bikes, a city-wide service provider for youth programs in Chicago. Headquartered in West Town, the organization operates a bike workshop that hosts after-school programs that aim to provide young people with mechanical skills, environmental awareness, and physical fitness. WTB works in partnership with community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and After School Matters.
15th Anniversary Opening Party
Gala Gallery, 1000 North Milwaukee Ave
Friday February 24, 7-10pm
Chicago's bike community never ceases to amaze us with their unbridled creativity and dedication to all season cycling. Bike Winter's 15th Anniversary Art Show looks to be fittingly awesome, join us at the opening party to mingle and get a chance to add your input on the city's bike plan.
Design Charrette
Chicago Streets for Cycling Plan 2020
The Bike Winter Art Show will be one of the last opportunities to provide city planners with valuable public input on which side streets are selected to become Neighborhood Greenways and which main roads get Protected Bike Lanes.
Chicago Streets for Cycling:
www.chicagobikes.org/public
