March 2020 Artist Feature: Gavin Troy, Tucson artist and longtime friend of BICAS
Artists Gavin Troy and Pasqualina Azzarello in the founding days of BICAS. Gavin and Pasqualina painted many of the iconic images outside BICAS’ original building.
Gavin, how did you first get involved with BICAS?
I met (BICAS founder) Kim Young at Gentle Strength Co-op in Tempe before BICAS was founded. We became good friends and kept in touch when she moved to Tucson- I visited her when she first began working for what would eventually become BICAS. When BICAS had its first art auction Kim invited me to show a piece and BICAS has not stopped inviting me since. I moved here in 1998 from Tempe and eventually rented my first art studio above BICAS. Super fun times back then, and I love contributing art towards fundraising to support BICAS. When Gavin Troy’s studio was above the original BICAS location, he painted a dreamy blue desertscape leading to the BICAS entrance.
What are some of your most cherished memories with BICAS?
In1998, moving into the building above where BICAS was located W. 6th street, life was amazing and the building was buzzing with creative people. It was a hub for all the creative folks here, Flam Chen, Barbara Williams African drum class, BICAS, and many visual artists along with welders and other creative beings were all in one area. The place was electric with creative energy.
Gavin’s work at the old BICAS entrance on W 6th Street.
Gavin’s work at the old BICAS entrance on W 6th St.
What are you working on currently?
Being with my (almost 9 year old son), gardening with him, going on bike rides, working in the studio on paintings, riding the skateboard, posting up paintings on social media to share with others around the world, sending love and good vibrations.“It is important during these times to go within, find ones’ center, and let go.”
How would you describe the importance of art in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The focus of my work, first and foremost is the inner journey as a way to reflect and be in this world, to open up and create from this inner center. Then, sharing this work with the community. This form of self discovery has been an amazing way to heal, learn and grow. The hours of focused time painting are a blessing. It is important during these times to go within, find ones’ center, and let go. The main point is being creative in whatever form this may take and sharing that. I am thankful for the gifts of inner work and creative viewpoint.
For inquiries or to see Gavin’s work, visit him on Facebook at Gavin Troy or Instagram @gavinhughtroy.
For over 36 years, BICAS has been a place where anyone could go to gain access to bikes, bike parts, bike repair, mechanics education and art. We have built a beautiful and much needed community resource where all are welcome, children can thrive through bike education, and low-income individuals can quickly gain access to resources needed to maintain their employment, housing, healthcare and access essential community resources. We take our commitment to this community very seriously, but at this time we are in a financial crisis and need your help.
In 2025, BICAS was owed $106,000 through a government funded grant, but this money was not paid out and then spent by the city of Tucson, causing BICAS much financial uncertainty. In 2026, several ongoing funders have been unable to provide grants due to the decreasing amount of federal funding available and drastic changes to the nonprofit funding landscape. These combined have immensely impact our small organization and as a result BICAS is at risk of closing or pausing our operations.
This shift means that we are more reliant on financial donations, and money raised in our bike shop. We are urgently asking you to consider making a donation to our organization in order to preserve bicas and ensure we can remain a resource for years to come. Any support you can offer is deeply appreciated and needed.
With much gratitude and love,
The BICAS Collective
