Black Lives Matter

Justice is a key organizational value at BICAS. As such, in response to the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, as well as the murders of countless Black lives in the United States, the BICAS Collective would like to take this moment to amplify the demands of Black-led organizers both locally and nationally for “acknowledgement and accountability for the devaluation and dehumanization of Black life at the hands of the police” as well as for “radical, sustainable solutions that affirm the prosperity of Black lives” (posted on the BLM website on May 30th, 2020). In addition, BICAS re-commits to examining our own organizational policies and practices in this vein.

Some Black-led initiatives where our Tucson community can send donations include:

Tucson Reparations

Minneapolis-based Reclaim the Block

George Floyd Memorial Fund

Mass Liberation Arizona

Now Hiring!

Posted 3-2-21

Now Hiring!

BICAS is seeking talented, committed candidates for Shop Mechanic and Volunteer Coordinator positions. If you think you could thrive in a job that is meaningful, community-driven, challenging, self-directed, and creative, please see bicas.org/jobs for details and application instructions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please note that BICAS has been operating as an Essential Service Provider during the pandemic. As such, all open positions require in-person work. Appropriate COVID19 precautions are in effect. Open until filled.

Apply now!

Featured Tucson Artist: Lucky

Lucky’s first Tucson mural is ‘Rufus,’ completed December 2020 and visible from the 6th Ave railway underpass. Photo by BICAS Staff Shruti Kaul.

How did you begin your career as an artist?

I was into art and graphic design when I was very young but my family discouraged it. After high school I tried living how my family wanted me to live and I couldn’t make it work. I started learning how to screen print and layer and admiring other artists. Eventually I applied for a grant and wrote a business plan for myself all on my own. I won the grant and my screen printing business was born.

Photo by BICAS Staff Shruti Kaul.

What’s it like running your own screenprinting business?

I do every single part of my business. I like it but it can be challenging at times. I sometimes struggle but have gotten help recently with paperwork, taxes, etc. I know how print shops work from working at them before. I’ve been working on my clothing line for years and it’s finally getting to the point where I can start outputting.

How do recycled materials play a role in your work?

With my current mask line people are giving me all kinds of donated masks to print on. Its been crazy, I have different locations I sell masks in and one day sold 4200 masks in one day. I’m working on exploring salvage wood for some of my future work and I also work with local sources to find cotton fabric and have it sewn once its printed.

Photo by BICAS Staff Shruti Kaul.

Can you give us a sneak peek of what you’re currently working on?

I had heard about BICAS for a while and was glad to finally come by and see what it’s all about. The mural I’m working on at BICAS has some O’Odham humor that my people appreciate. There’s an old lady doing some amazing things…It’s a little over the top but I think it’s pretty funny. It tells a story. Grandmas are hardcore!

Lucky is currently working a mural outside the BICAS shop. Stop by any day to take a look, and learn more about and support Lucky’s work by visiting www.alltribesfacemasks.com. Stay tuned for a website featuring all his work to be launched soon!

Photo by BICAS Staff Shruti Kaul.

Published March 2021.

2021 Art Auction Announcement

BICAS is thrilled to announce the 25th Annual BICAS Art Auction will be held in December 2021. This year’s auction will include both online and in-person activities. All community members will be invited to donate art to both showcase their skills and support Tucson’s community bicycle center. Event details are subject to change based on the recommendations of health experts and BICAS will continue to prioritize accessibility and the safety of our community.

Want to be the first to know how you can be involved in this year’s art auction? Fill out the community art form here. Looking for salvage parts to create pieces for this year? Visit our Etsy shop for art parts, merchandise and more. Thank you for your continued generosity during these difficult times. Graphic by BICAS staff member Jreems Kmchroo.

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Image description: Graphic reads, ‘BICAS’ 25th Community Art Auction, December 2021.’ Lettering is in yellow on a green background. Various desert creatures donning bike parts take up the bottom half of the image. A javelina has a bundle on his back that says ‘Top Secret,’ a rattlesnake curls around a simple upcycled lamp, a jackrabbit holds a clock out of bike gears, and a tortoise balances two wrenches, an axle and a wheel on its shell.

Support BICAS, Pick Up Locally-Made Upcycled Gifts!

Looking for locally-made gifts AND a way to support Tucson’s 501(c)(3) bicycle education and recycling center? Look no further for a wide variety of gifts available for local pickup through early next week at etsy.com/shop/bicasart. Use the coupon code ‘SHOPLOCAL’ at checkout to shop online and pick up at-store with all shipping fees waived. See you on N. 7th Ave to scoop up your one-of-a-kind holiday finds, and thank you in advance for supporting BICAS!

BICAS Candle, Candle Holder, and Wall Hook ($6, $8 and $8)

Little to Non-Rusted Used Chains for Art ($4 for set of 2)

BICAS Loteria Tote Bag ($12)

Welded Salvage Mask Rack by Car Arteaga ($35)

Dragoon Brewing Company Pint Glass and BICAS Dad Cap ($5 and $28)

Posted December 19th, 2020