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Wednesday, February 5, 2014

A Race of Wacky Human-powered Amphibious Works of Art


On May 3 the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) in Baltimore, Maryland, will host the Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race of wacky, imaginative, totally human-powered works of art.

They are designed to travel on land, through mud, and over deep harbor waters, constructed out of used bicycles, gears, and parts, created by a lunatic genius who tinkers around in the garage or backyard near you! 

The machines can be simple, small crafts, piloted by only one brave soul, or they can be over 50 feet long, extremely well-engineered, sophisticated vehicles powered by a team of pilots. Pilots ("Kinetinauts") compete for the most coveted Grand Mediocre East Coast Champion Award (finishes right in the middle), and the highly prized Next to the Last Award (finishes, well, next-to-last), and other serious trophies including Art, Engineering, Best Bribes and more.

Free to spectators, the Kinetic Sculpture Race starts at 10am at the American Visionary Art Museum (arrive early to take part in the Opening Ceremony and Blessing of De Feet). Other great spots to see the vehicles are the 1st Checkpoint atop Federal Hill; The Water Entry at the Korean War Memorial Park in Canton; the uphill Mud-Pit in Patterson Park; the not-so-quick-Sand Pit in Patterson Park; and, of course, anywhere along the 15-mile route throughout Baltimore City. 

Kinetic Volunteers – The Brave, The Talented, The Mediocre, The Unsuspecting Few – are needed to help in the grueling, all day, general insanity of the 16th annual (soon-to-be-legendary) Kinetic Sculpture Race, for nothin’ but the glory on Saturday May 3! Visit Kinetic Volunteers for details. Kinetic Rule: No matter the job, no matter the weather, you’ll still have to dress funny. No whiners.

For more information – including past race photos, inspiration, costume ideas, route map and a handy Spectator's Guide – visit the official Race site kineticbaltimore.com.

For news of other top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland.