Two wheels were definitely better than four at the Artcrank poster show opening April 2.
And they were much easier to park. Cars were relegated to distant lots, while the bike valet area was full to overflowing outside Shelter Studios in northeast Minneapolis.
The riders converged to see the fifth annual bicycle-inspired poster artwork created by local talent, which will be on display at One on One Bike in Minneapolis through May 6.
"What an adventure it was to get here!" said Janneke Schaap, who trekked 6 miles through Minneapolis to see the show. But she loved every minute of the journey. "Biking builds communities and preserves the Earth," she said.
Director and curator Charles Youel got the idea for a bike-based art show from his ad agency colleagues, who were looking for inspiration outside the office. "From an emotional standpoint, we loved getting around on bikes, and it makes them want to do creative work," he said.
It has been so successful that Youel has worked full-time for Artcrank since 2009, taking the concept for a spin in six other cities nationwide and in London.
For the spring show in Minneapolis, more than 40 artists contributed at least 30 editions of their screen-printed or letter-press art. "They're all somehow hand-worked," Youel said. "At a time when everything is digital, it's nice to get back to something handmade."
And non-motorized.
