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Kinetic Poodle.

Kinetic Sculptures to race 15 miles in Baltimore

An Announcement from the Baltimore, Maryland's American Visionary Art Museum: The sixth annual East Coast Championship Kinetic Sculpture Race rolls May 1, 2004 as human-powered works of art compete in a 15-mile race over land, sea, and mud.

Constructed out of used bicycles, spare parts, and refuse, the contraptions range from simple crafts with a single pilot to sophisticated behemoths piloted by entire teams of Kinetinauts. Racers compete for the coveted Mediocre Award (finishes right in the middle) and the highly prized Next-to-the-Last Award (finishes next to last) and the categories of art and engineering. The winner of the Mediocre Award is eligible to compete in the World Championship Kinetic Sculpture Race in Ferndale, California.'"

The race kicks off with the all-important brake check at the museum (800 Key Highway) at 8 am. The 9:45 Opening Ceremony is followed by the official LeMans start at 10. Most participants end up back at AVAM by 5 p.m.

New kinetic sculptures this year include a two-headed dragon made by students at Southern High School and a 35-foot, three-car circus train made by the crew at Patterson Perk, the local coffee shop whose giant Alice-in-Wonderland papier-mache teapot dissolved in 2003. Returning entries include AVAM's own Fifi, a fluffy, 15-foot pink poodle, and Bumpo the Elephant, which met the race's requirement that every sculpture carry a sock puppet by including a Gandhi made of pantyhose.

[04/28/2004]

American Visionary Art Museum

Address:
800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD
Directions:
I-95 south through the Ft. McHenry Tunnel (stay in the right hand lane through the tunnel). Immediately outside of the tunnel take exit 55 (Key Hwy). At the bottom of the ramp turn right at the light onto Key Hwy. The museum is 1.5 miles ahead, on the left, at a sharp left turn, at the corner of Key Hwy and Covington St.
Hours:
Tu-Su 10-6 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
410-244-1900
Admission:
Adults $16.
RA Rates:
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