Bicycle Worlds Exhibition at Quad City Arts

From June 26 - August 7, 2026, Quad City Arts presents Bicycle Worlds featuring bike photography by Ken Urban and bike paintings by Jeff Williams with vintage bicycles on loan for Wright Cycles. The public is invited to an opening reception Friday, June 26, from 6-8pm. The artists will be present, and refreshments will be served! 

Ken Urban of Durant, IA, is a long-time cyclist and photographer. Over a five-year period, Urban explored Level B (unpaved, gravel) biking routes in all 99 of Iowa’s counties and brought his camera along the way. The project brought to light the reality of Iowa’s economy. Agricultural industry may be progressing, but small towns are depopulating and young people are moving to other parts of the country. One constant, however, is the gravel that sits on the roads connecting it all. Of his work, Urban states, “These selections of photographs try to capture the beauty of roads rarely traveled, far from the constant flow of hurried wheels on the interstate.” 

Jeff Williams of Springfield, IL, is an avid cyclist and bicycle advocate. Through his paintings, Williams highlights the craftsmanship of bicycles, zoning in on joints, gears, and threads in simplified color palettes. While his work may be representational, he creates with a graphic and abstract sensibility, giving his pieces a unique edge. Williams states, “I try to mix social, environmental, and niche themes. These themes may have small or large impacts on humanity. In this case the low carbon footprint of bicycles, which I have always loved and used to race!” 

Urban and Williams share their love of cycling, and their exhibition will share space with vintage bicycles on loan from Wright Cycles. 

The public is invited to participate in a beginner-friendly bike ride on June 27 at 9:30am led by Gallery Director, Dawn Wohlford-Metallo. The group will begin in the gallery parking lot and take a tour of four public sculptures along both sides of the Mississippi River. The bike ride will conclude by 11am at the gallery, where participants then have the chance to view the Urban and Williams exhibition inside of Quad City Arts. Helmets are required, and E-bikes are welcome. 

The artist’s works can be viewed and purchased online at https://www.shopquadcityarts.com/rock-island-gallery. Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Support for art exhibitions is provided by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 X108, or by email at [email protected].