Austin, in all its diverse glory, isn’t built on the traditional American apple pie and baseball paradigm, but instead on the bike and art one. It is only fitting that this Thursday, Austin’s Gallery Black Lagoon plays host to the Poster Cabaret Bicycle Print Show. The print show appropriately comes at the beginning of National Bike Month.

“All of the artists were told, ‘Your work is supposed to be inspired by the bicycle,’” said L. Adrian Duaine, better known as Lad, event organizer and UT alumnus. “That was the only direction they were given.”

The show features a comprehensive showing of more than 60 artists hailing from Austin, New York, Chicago, Buenos Aires, the Netherlands and dozens of other places. Each of those 60 artists is exhibiting one print that will be available for purchase. Of the 60 pieces, 55 were created originally for the show. Prints will cost between $25 and $35.

The subject matter and inspiration for the pieces range from reminiscing on childhood bike memories to more philanthropic initiatives. Justin Cox, UT alumnus and member of the East Austin art collective, Public School, created a print featuring punch-out baseball cards that people can attach to their bike wheel with a clothespin, turning the bike into the motorcycle that it once was in the days of youth.

“There are so many great artists, I wanted to do something different to standout,” Cox said.

In the humanitarian spirit there is also a print in support of Texas 4000, the UT organization that raises money for cancer research, culminating in a 4000-mile ride from Texas to Alaska. The print, created by Tim Doyle features bikers surrounded by mountains, depicting the group’s journey. Proceeds from sales of the print will go to the organization.
Artist and Texas Tech Professor Dirk Fowler took the opportunity to use his print to advocate for the environmentally-friendly mode of transportation.

“If we all thought about different types of transportation, like riding a bike or walking, the world would be a much better place,” Fowler said. “I live in Lubbock right now. It’s not that people are against bikes, but everyone drives cars around.”

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What: Poster Cabaret Bike Show
Where: Gallery Black Lagoon
When: Thursday, 6 p.m.
How much: Free