Stationary bicycles have been turned into public art that will be on display throughout the South Bay for the next month — as an ode to the upcoming 14th annual Tour de Pier cancer fundraiser.
“The Art of the Ride” brought South Bay artists together to transform everyday spaces into pop-up galleries while supporting the cycling fundraiser and its work toward a cancer-free future, according to the Tour de Pier website.
Every Wednesday through through April 29, a new artist-designed bike will be unveiled at a different South Bay business. Each spot will host a different artist’s bike until it’s time for the next to roll in.
At Tour de Pier, hundreds of cyclers ride on stationary exercise bikes to raise awareness about and money for cancer-fighting organizations and efforts. This year’s event is May 17 at the Manhattan Beach Pier.
More than just an art project, the website says, each bike represents the power of community coming together to support cancer research and patient support services.
The project “brings together two of my favorite things: art and making a difference for others,” artist Wendy Stillman said in the release. “We have all been touched by cancer, and being able to channel that into my art — this incredible public installation is a joy.”
The creative element to this year’s event, according to the release, is an inspiring reminder that progress can happen when the community and art unite for a powerful purpose.
Local artists paired bold abstract compositions with healing and inspiration, the release said, turning fitness equipment into symbols of the movement, resilience and spirit of the South Bay in another year of supporting this cause.
People can also enter to win one of the custom-painted bikes through May 4 by taking a photo of the one they spot, then posting it on social media and tagging @tourdepier and the business they saw it at. The winner will be contacted via social media and will be able to pick up the bike after the Tour de Pier on May 17.
Here’s when and where to catch each artist’s installation in “The Art of the Ride”:
Find art by Wendy Stillman on Wednesday, March 25, at the Bay Club El Segundo, 2250 Park Place.
See Derrick Billings’ work on April 1 at Skechers in Manhattan Beach, 1121 Manhattan Ave.
Dan Gardner’s custom bike will be on display on April 8 at Love.Life holistic health and wellness club in El Segundo, 740 Pacific Coast Highway.
Find Josh Barnes’ piece on April 15 at Rock & Brews in El Segundo, 143 Main St.
See Tom Neill’s art in front of the Apple store at Manhattan Village mall, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Check out all of the bikes on display together on April 29 at the Bay Club El Segundo. Then they’ll all take the stage during Tour de Pier in May before someone gets to take them home.
To enter to win one of the bikes, participants must follow @TourdePier on Instagram and Facebook from a public account; post the entries by May 4; be at least 18 years old; and be able to pick up the bike locally.
More information at blog.tourdepier.com/category/the-art-of-the-ride.
Since it began in 2013, Tour de Pier has raised more than $15 million for cancer research and support services. This year’s fundraiser will benefit the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Cancer Support Community South Bay, and the Uncle Kory Foundation for brain cancer research.