Residents may notice a splash of color the next time they lock up their bicycles at Campbell and Third streets.

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and City leaders held a dedication ceremony July 28 for the initial installation of the Bike Rack Art program, which was created to promote more sculptures throughout the downtown.

“This is a great example of what happens when public art is incorporated into a City goal – the need for more bike racks,” Cultural Arts Commission Chairman Tim Vetang said. “This would not be possible without the generous support of Fox Valley Orthopedics. Because of their donations, we have an eye-catching and functional work of art that Geneva residents can be proud of.”

The sculpture, “Welcome Rounds,” was created by Weston Lambert, who is a professor of glass practice at Tulane University. He is an accomplished sculptor with a significant portfolio that includes exhibiting annually at the SOFA Chicago, the world’s foremost fair devoted to Sculpture Objects Functional Art & Design. Recently, he was commissioned by the City of Chattanooga to design glass and stone park benches.

The $6,000 Geneva project was funded by the Cultural Arts Commission with the help of a $3,000 donation from Fox Valley Orthopedics in Geneva. Mayor Kevin Burns thanked both the Cultural Arts Commission and the Fox Valley Orthopedics July 28 for their contributions that brought the colorful bike racks to the community.

The intent of the Bike Rack Art program is to purchase and install selected designs on an annual competition basis. This is an ideal opportunity for both emerging and established artists who have a background in three-dimensional media or urban art design to leave their creative mark on Geneva.

For more information about the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, visit the City’s website.