Win a BICAS pendant at Beer for Bikes on August 15th, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Inspiration to Impact: The Legacy of
A Nice World and BICAS

Sunlight bursts through the intricate patterns of the BICAS gate, crafted from bike wheels and parts, casting a natural glow over the shop as Jill Hofer steps over the threshold.

The date is Thursday, March 28th, 2024, and her visit marks a significant milestone: ten years of collaboration between her philanthropic jewelry line A Nice World and BICAS, a celebration of the profound community impact she has worked to empower, in our mission of bicycle accessibility for all. Now, the pendants first crafted ten years ago will be prizes in the Beer for Bikes event at Dragoon Brewing Co on August 15th, generating funds for BICAS’ community-driven programs.

With purpose and care, Jill drops off a package of A Nice World’s latest creations. Each silver-plated amulet is crafted into round disks the size of coins. The word “BICAS” is etched in delicate shapes of bicycle tools and rims, a small heart adorning the center of the “C.” The finely textured surface of the silver showcases masterful craftsmanship, inspired by the asphalt mosaic at the old BICAS location. In truth, the amulates seem to evoke the surface of the tools in our shop, recalling the essence of all programs signifies for those who rely on and maintain their bikes every day.

As natural light filters through bicycle wheel patterns over the counter area, the surface of these amulets glints beneath its warmth. Each piece, crafted into keychains, and necklaces on silver chains of 16” and 18”, the design destined to transform a set of keys or rest gracefully against one’s chest, near the heart. As Jill departs the shop on this gentle spring Thursday, the unified strength of between A Nice World and BICAS lingers in the air.

This potent partnership traces its roots back to 2014, when Jill Hofer invited BICAS to collaborate with A Nice World on a custom fundraiser piece. “Incredibly inspired by BICAS, I sculpted an homage of the art on the walkway into BICAS at the original location at the Citizens Warehouse,” Jill recalls. “This art used metal bike parts pressed into the asphalt to spell the word ‘BICAS’ in such a creative, artful concept. The image truly conveyed the spirit of BICAS in so many ways and I knew I had to honor it with fundraiser jewelry.”

Since its founding in the late 1990s, A Nice World has been a powerful force for positive change within the Tucson community. Through her philanthropic jewelry line, Jill has continually broadened her support for causes that are important to her. “For example, I sculpted Braille jewelry to help prevent blindness, bee jewelry to benefit pollinators, etcetera.” she explains.

Countless hours of dedication and craftsmanship went into creating this iconic piece, which now adorns necklaces, earrings, and even serves as the profile picture for BICAS’s Instagram account. “I sculpted the original, commissioned the molds and cast the design in a variety of bronze tones and sterling silver,” she recalls. “These were donated and well received as fundraisers, thank you gifts and in the shop. Later, thanks to brainstorming with the BICAS leadership, the idea for the smaller, lighter design was born.”

Inspired once more by the asphalt art, Jill donated this new design after meticulously sculpting and molding an initial run of samples. This iteration was cast in bronze, silver, and ultra-light silver plating. With the lightweight design proving popular, BICAS placed an order for additional castings. A Nice World then transformed these into earrings, jewelry, and small keychains, offering a complimentary collection to the original, larger pieces.

A Nice World’s generous donation and Jill’s unwavering support are irreplaceable in keeping BICAS’ wheels turning in all of our programs, empowering broadened accessibility to bicycles and to the arts. We are privileged to receive her contribution, and deeply grateful for the ways she has encapsulated the BICAS spirit.

We zoom back to the present, where these donated amulets will be given to participants of the 2024 Beer for Bikes event held on August 15th. With a $20 admission, participants will receive either a keychain or necklace with this iconic pendant, along with a drink ticket, BICAS sticker, shop credit, and discounts on BICAS art sold at the event. The evening will also feature prize games, a cash raffle, and brand-new BICAS art and merchandise. Muncheez will be offering a variety of delicious meals and snacks.

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