Margaret Beeson
For many people, bicycles are far more than a tool for transport and recreation; they’re an inspiration for art.
Here in Portland we’re fortunate to have a rich culture full of examples. Last July I put together an art exhibition at City Hall that featured bike-themed paintings, photos, sculptures, and craft.
Two upcoming shows will keep the tradition of blending bikes and art alive and well in Portland.
Margaret Beeson
Artist Margaret Beeson works in various mediums and likes to “embrace silliness, immaturity, and laughter,” in her work. She has produced a series of paintings inspired by Portland’s bike culture.
She will open her “Moved by bikes” show at Chance of Rain Cafe (1522 SE 32nd Ave) this Friday from 6-9 pm.
Later this month at Last Thursday on Alberta, Mychal Tetteh will “celebrate creativity and attention to detail” at the first-ever Cloud City Bike Expo.
Color coordinated
track bike. (Photo: Mychal Tetteh) |
A vintage singlespeed.
(Photo: Mychal Tetteh) |
Tetteh plans to display “the hottest” custom and “uncompromisingly vintage” bikes around. He’s still got a few spots open for you to join the exhibition. If you’d like to show your bike, email him photos at championstripes(at)gmail(dot)com.
The Cloud City Bike Expo will happen on Thursday, July 26th from 6-9 pm at 2223 NE Alberta Street.
Thanks for reading.
BikePortland has served this community with independent community journalism since 2005. We rely on subscriptions from readers like you to survive. Your financial support is vital in keeping this valuable resource alive and well.
Please subscribe today to strengthen and expand our work.
Maybe I\’m a full on f(*@ing wanker, but I like to read stories like this also (in contrast to all the doom and gloom stuff) Thanks, Jonathan
Yes, Bicycle art is always news-worthy. I\’m looking forward to Margaret\’s art opening, hope to see you there.
those bikes are HOT!!
Not to get all picky, but yes, I will.
A vintage bike with vertical dropouts and set up with a singulator to make it a single speed is not exactly \”uncompromisingly vintage.\”
I agree with tony.
vintage is not a particularly applicable term for bikes with aero rims, aero levers, a modern saddle and a singulator.
nit pick nit pick…
but really, kudos to both events for being actively engaged in our bike culture.
I went to the Moved by bikes show this evening. Margaret\’s work is very emotionally powerful in a way that can\’t be conveyed in the pictures above. There is an especially riveting piece that depicts a ghost bike. If art can be the collective expression of a community\’s mourning, this is it. If you went on the Ride of Silence, you will know what I am trying to say about it. Also, there\’s so much joy in her other work. I\’m so glad I went.
I believe her paintings will be on display for a while at Chance of Rain. Take a ride to get something cool to drink and check out some really great art.