First ArtWorks bike rack installed outside local coffee shop

ArtWorks will kick off their Queen City Art Racks program today outside of Coffee Emporium at 3pm to celebrate the completion of their first bike rack.  Over time, the program will create 15 decorative bike racks to be installed throughout Cincinnati.

"I’ve been dreaming about doing this project for the past six years. The timing is perfect as people are more aware of being healthy and environmentally conscious," said Tamara Harkavy, Director, ArtWorks.  "It is a smart way to engage artists to create functional art.  ArtWorks' mission is to provide jobs for artists and create public art, and bike racks are something anyone can use."

The program ties in nicely with the City's recent push to make Cincinnati more bicycle friendly by investing in bicycle infrastructure including new bicycle parking facilities.  The artistic idea for the program was inspired by a trip to Louisville where Harkavy and others saw something that was part sculpture, part bicycle rack, and entirely captivating.

The first Art Rack is called "Tours de Cincy" and was designed by Pam Kravetz, Carla Lamb and Karen Saunders.  Fabricated by Cincinnati-based Vulkane Industrial Arts and sponsored by the NLT Foundation, the inaugural Art Rack can be found along Central Parkway outside of Coffee Emporium's Central Parkway location (map).

Artists interested in submitting a portfolio can do so by contacting [email protected] for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) packet.  Those interested in sponsoring an Art Rack for $7,500 can do so by contacting Beth Fiore at [email protected].  ArtWorks officials say that the 15 Art Racks will be completed by July 2011 to coincide with the organization's 15th Anniversary.

The kick-off celebration later this afternoon will include community members, public officials and neighborhood leaders.  There will naturally be coffee and other selected treats for those in attendance outside of Coffee Emporium.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
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