MIKE ‘HUCKER’ CLARK TURNS DOWNTOWN HOUSTON INTO A BMX DIRT PLAYGROUND

Oct 25, 2013

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2407 times

Red Bull Urban Rhythm is a one-of-a-kind street art BMX project, taking place in Downtown Houston. Hucker Clark, one of the most respected names in his sport, will collaborate with leading Houston graffiti artist GONZO247, to create an unexpected, street art styled dirt track deep in the heart of Houston’s urban landscape. The streets of downtown will come alive, as the local Houston visual artists of Aerosol Warfare will paint the features of the track, finding inspiration in this art meets sport project.

Invited athletes Aaron Ross, Chad Kerley, Coco Zurita, Daniel Dhers, Drew Bezanson, Mikey Aitken and Rob Wise will join Hucker on the BMX playground, celebrating the potential in riding spots found everyday in our natural environment. World champion BMX legend Taj Mihelich has been brought on board to create and build the collaborative course Hucker and Gonzo247 have conceptualized. An artist and creative himself, Taj will provide the perfect link between sport and art to fashion a one-of-a-kind playground. Visit redbull.com/urbanrhythm to stay up-to-date with the project.

BMX dirt phenom Mike Clark received the nickname ‘Hucker’ from launching the biggest dirt jumps at age 12, and it stuck. Hucker recently was awarded #1 Dirt Rider of the Year at the 2013 NORA Cup Awards this past weekend in Austin, TX, a repeat winner holding the same title in 2012. Becoming the first BMX rider to land a double backflip at the Dew Tour, Hucker is known for going big and enjoying it as much as possible. His ideal playground is both fun and functional, taking everyday finds from the streets and turning their potential into a unique course that combines both dirt and street BMX elements.

Gonzo247, native of Houston, TX, works and lives in the city he calls home. Commissioned for many art projects and co-founder of Aerosol Warfare Gallery, his work can be found all over the streets of the city. He credits Houston as the center for growth in his art career, and through many years of volunteering and supporting other local artists, he has become passionate about producing exhibitions and curating shows in his gallery space. Gonzo247 discovers inspiration in many different art forms, and this versatility has provided him with an artistic energy that uncovers the potential in everything around him.

OPEN TO PUBLIC Friday, November 22, 2013 7:00 – 9:00 pm 1503 Chartres Street Houston, TX