Shit to Hit TONIGHT: @ArtCrank STL - A Poster Party for Bike People

Finally, a press release that doesn't suck:

ARTCRANK, billed as “A poster party for bike people,” is returning to The Grove Neighborhood in St. Louis. The show will open on Friday, May 11 and run through Sunday, May 13 at Atomic Cowboy on Manchester Avenue.

ARTCRANK STL will feature hand-made, bike-inspired posters created by 30 St. Louis-area artists. Admission is free, and limited edition, signed and numbered copies of all posters will be available for $40 each. The show coincides with the Missouri Professional Cycling Series (MO PRO) and its featured race, the Tour De Grove.

While ARTCRANK began in Minneapolis and has since grown to include shows in 10 cities, including U.S. bike hot spots like Portland and San Francisco, and even a show in London, the show has St. Louis roots that go way back. Founder and Creative Director Charles Youel grew up in St. Louis, and his longtime friendship with Big Shark Bicycle Co. owner and MO PRO Race Director Mike Weiss helped bring the show to the Gateway City debut in 2009.

“I didn’t know what kind of reception we’d get when we first brought the show here,” says Youel. “But there’s some amazing creative talent in St. Louis, and our shows have gotten bigger and better every year.” Youel adds that holding the show in The Grove neighborhood has been a big help, too. “I love to see the role that cycling is playing in the transformation of The Grove, from bike lanes to bike-themed businesses like Handle Bar and Randy’s Recycled Cycles.”

Fans may find their attention divided between the poster art on the walls and the racing action out on the street. “The Missouri Professional Cycling Series is bringing back many of the same teams and top athletes who competed in the Tour of Missouri Professional,” says Weiss. “It’s an Olympic year, and this is an internationally sanctioned event, so the intensity of the competition between the racers will be at an all-time high.

There’s one more bike angle to the show that’s worth toasting. In partnership with Widmer Brothers Brewing, ARTCRANK will be selling custom pint glasses throughout the weekend, with all proceeds going to support St. Louis Bicycle Works — a nonprofit organization that gives kids the chance to earn a free bike while they learn about bike safety and maintenance. Atomic Cowboy will be offering specials on Widmer Brothers beer to everyone who buys a glass, too. “We like to support cycling-related causes in all of our host cities,” says Youel. “Any program that puts more people on bikes is something we can get behind.”

ARTCRANK STL Details
When:
Friday, May 11 – 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday, May 12 – 2:00pm – Midnight
Sunday, May 13 – 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Where:
Atomic Cowboy
4140 Manchester Ave.
St. Louis, MO

What + Why:
Original, limited edition prints from local artists – all sold for $40
Custom pint glasses and beer specials by Widmer Brothers Brewing
Proceeds from pint glass sales go to benefit St. Louis Bicycle Works
Free valet bike parking on Saturday, courtesy of Clif Bar.

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