This year's Prescott Valley Kinetic Sculpture Race (www.pvksr.org) has people entering the race just for a chance to win one of the one-of-a-kind real works of art created and donated by local artist Rick Hartner (www.sittingduckstudio.com).

Hartner, a Kirkland resident, has been working as a contemporary metal sculptor for over seven years, using primarily recycled metal. With his degree in Environmental Resource Geography from San Diego State University and a career as a Recycling Operations Manager, Hartner claims to have "elevated recycling to a fine art." And indeed he has.

His current installation "Dance of Whimsy" at the Prescott Valley Civic Center is valued at about $3,500. "And this talented artist is donating these trophies for the race," commented Cynthia Jones, the Arts and Culture Commissioner organizing the PVKSR. "This is such an incredible gift. Everyone who has seen them wants to win one." Jones
added. The race is scheduled for 10 AM, Saturday September 15, kicking off the World Arts Festival at the Prescott Valley Civic Center.



Hartner's connection with Kinetic Sculpture (moving works of art) doesn't stop there. He was the original founder of the Boulder, Colorado Kinetic Sculpture Race in the late seventies, which had an initial attendance of over 20,000. Locally, he is a member of the
Mountain Artist's Guild and the Prescott Fine Arts Association. He has completed over 30 commissions ranging from entry gates on James Hubbell homes to giant wind sculptures at Quail Botanical Gardens in the San Diego area, as well as many pieces for the Juniper Well Ranch in Skull Valley. For more information on the Prescott Valley Kinetic Sculpture Race and its trophies, visit www.pvksr.org or call 928-772-4710.