Bike Friendly Kalamazoo has opened a bike art competition, seeking entries illustrating the joys of biking for display on lampposts, utility poles and other printed media.
The Vicksburg Foundation has provided $1,750 in cash awards for winning entries. Competition is open to U.S. citizens age 18 and older. The deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. Sept. 2. Winners will be announced Sept. 18, during Bike Friendly Kalamazoo’s Fall Bike Celebration, at the Vicksburg Pavilion.
Bike Friendly’s President Paul Selden said his board was happy with last year’s competition. “Last year our announcements via social media reached more than 80,000 people and drew entries from more than 20 states across the USA.”
Last year’s winning designs were also offered for sale by Kalamazoo-based Consort Design Group, manufacturer of display products. The company, Selden said, “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.”
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.
Competition rules and entry materials are at fallbikecelebration.org.