Chicago Public Radio
Bikers Bring Art to
the Masses
Produced by Nick White

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After 10 years of Chicago Critical Mass, many long-time participants had thought the movement had "strayed from its original altruistic roots and has become just another big bike-a-thon", which led many former ardent proponents of the monthly ride to call for a Grand Finale. The 11th Annual Critical Mass Art Show was a clear indicator that many cyclists in the city still find the monthly ride relevant. Oil hit $100 a barrel just before the show opened, and the media decided that Critical Mass and winter cyclists were increasingly relevant and gave the art show unprecedented coverage. [see all press clips]
 
Critical Mass Art Show Opening
Mercury Cafe - 1505 West Chicago Avenue

Video of Opening Night Party - Fri Jan 11

Critical Mass Polka Ride!!!
Delay Plaza to Lincoln Lanes

Punk-Polka is very post-modern, the Polkaholics tap us into Chicago's rich polka history with a shot of punk rock dropped into the mix for a decidedly modern take on a Polish-American classic, which is pretty high brow if you think about it.

Bike Winter Poetry & Cinema Night
Mercury Cafe - 1505 West Chicago Avenue

An evening of Bike Winter Poetry & Cinema. This event was "open mic" and "open projector", as we encouraged any and all bike lovers to share their poems, short stories, and short films.

Auto Show Shutdown Festival
Delay Plaza to McCormick Place

Performance art and situationist antics are always part of the art show schedule as we annually take our festival of bike love to the Auto Show Shutdown Festival at McCormick Place.

Art Show Closing Party
Delay Plaza to The Heart of Gold

The conclusion of 2 months of Bike Art & Activism had us departing from the Picasso to end our ride at the Closing Party of the Critical Mass Art Show at the Heart of Gold.