National Bike Month Sculpture Unveiled

In celebration of National Bike Month, a large-scale bicycle sculpture created by Simsbury artist Vicente Garcia was unveiled during the ArtWalk Simsbury event on Saturday.

Executive Director of the Greater Hartford Arts Council Cathy Malloy, State Rep. Linda Schofield, and Deputy First Selectman John Hampton were in attendance to kick off the bike sculpture's unveiling.

"Art isn't just about art," Malloy said. "It's about helping communities, it's about quality of life, about economic impact."

The sculpture, which was constructed from 190 pieces of recycled steel and weighs over 500 lbs., will be placed along Hopmeadow Street at the Winslow Place commuter parking lot in recognition of Simsbury's bicycle-friendly status.

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Bike Walk Simsbury coordinated a packed schedule of bike rides and events to promote bicycle use and safe riding practices.

The group continues to raise funds for the sculpture and hopes to achieve the goal with the help of individual donors and local businesses like Bill Selig Jewelers, Matthew Wagner Photography, Red Stone Pub, Tower Ridge Country Club, and Little City Pizza who have been helping with fundraising efforts this month.

Tax deductible donations from individuals, businesses and organizations can be made through the Children And Adult Mobility Project, checks payable to C.A.M.P./Simsbury Bike Sculpture, c/o Simsbury Bank, 982 Hopmeadow St., P.O. Box 248, Simsbury, CT  06070.  Donations will be accepted until June 15.

For donations of at least $100, the contributor's name(s) will be engraved on a bronze plaque that will be placed next to the sculpture. For more information, go to www.bikewalksimsbury.org or send an e-mail to ampotter3@sbcglobal.net.