Neenah Paper is the official paper sponsor for ARTCRANK, a bicycle-inspired poster art show that features talented, local artists, using creativity to change the way people think about bicycles. At ARTCRANK’s kick-off event in Minneapolis, Neenah will unveil and auction off a three-dimensional paper “bike” made solely from Neenah Paper products to benefit the American Cancer Society.

“We’re thrilled to partner with ARTCRANK again this year to promote local artwork and poster design to biking communities across the country,” said Chris Schneider, customer marketing manager for Neenah Paper. “We’re launching our first-ever 3-D paper bike during the Minneapolis event as a way to visually support the ARTCRANK mission and celebrate local design. We hope to change the way people think about cycling with an eye-catching, life-size paper bike that showcases the creativity and versatility of Neenah’s paper products.”

The 3-D Neenah Paper bike, designed by Big Table Studio, will be revealed for silent auction during ARTCRANK’s Opening Party on Sat., April 14 from 5 – 11 p.m. at the first-floor gallery of Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the American Cancer Society in honor of ARTCRANK Artist Aaron Purmort, a brain cancer survivor who recovered from surgery, radiation and chemo treatments just in time to complete his poster for the show.  Proceeds from the sale of Purmort’s poster, one of 40 created by local artists for the event, also will go to the American Cancer Society.

According to ARTCRANK Founder Charles Youel, Neenah’s 3-D paper bike is a radically creative, yet fitting evolution from the show’s handmade poster roots. “ARTCRANK was born from a love of bikes and art, but also from a fascination with the craft of printing and how paper and ink combine to make something amazing. Seeing that alchemy happen in three dimensions with the paper bike is incredible.”

In 2012, ARTCRANK will hold shows in Minneapolis, Austin, Texas, St. Louis, Los Angeles, New York, Denver, London, Portland and San Francisco. Youel hopes to have a different paper bike built for each event. For more information, including a complete schedule, visit www.artcrank.com.

To learn more about Neenah, visit www.neenahpaper.com.