Public Art
Client:  6.46 Downtown
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Artists: Bicicleta Sem Freio

Service: Artist Representation, Concept, Curation, Development, and Production

For our latest curation and collaboration with local non-profit 64.6 Downtown in Fort Smith, Arkansas, we appointed Brazilian artist Bicicleta Sem Freio to complete a gigantic 5,200-square-foot mural, on the main avenue of the Downtown. Entitled The Fastest Banjo in Town and depicting a dream-like scene where a cowboy with a wolf/dog face skillfully plays the banjo, the piece is a contemporary spin on the local culture and history of Fort Smith and celebrates the artistic energy, reminding us of the importance of nature, art, and creativity.

In a delightful twist, the character cowboy holster, usually reserved for a weapon, is ingeniously repurposed to hold paintbrushes instead. A thoughtful reminder that art is a tool for creation and transformation rather than conflict and violence; capable of shaping our perceptions and creating bridges of connections.

"This city of Fort Smith has embraced us with open arms in 2015 and holds a special place in our hearts. Music always takes center stage in our art, so this time around, we painted a banjo player chilling in his cowboy boots. We wanted to capture the free-spirited nature that music brings. As for the creature's identity, is it a dog or a wolf? Well, we intentionally leave that open to the wonderful people of Fort Smith to guess. We like leaving a bit of mystery and interpretation."

-Bicicleta Sem Freio