Friends School Enters the Kinetic Sculpture Race

After a few years' hiatus, Friends School once again entered the American Visionary Art Museum's (AVAM) Kinetic Sculpture Race! The eight-hour race covers 15 miles in downtown Baltimore—mostly on pavement, but also including a trip into the Chesapeake Bay and through mud and sand. Students worked with Upper School art teacher Sean Tonkin to create this mobile artwork.

Since it was Tonkin's first year making a vehicle for the race, he and the students decided to keep the build very simple, creating an amazing pirate ship named Friendship. As part of their entry into the race, the team needed to submit a write-up for AVAM's spectator guide:

"Avast, maties! After years in dry dock, the legendary KSR program at Friends School is BACK on the course and ready to conquer the race once again! They’re bringing with them a high-seas spectacle that’s ready to sail (or maybe sink) into glory! This isn't just any kinetic contraption; this colorful, two-bike-powered vessel looks like it sailed straight out of a toy chest, with bold primary colors and a playful design that’s more sandbox than shipyard. But don’t let its fun-loving appearance fool you—this tiny titan is ready to take on the mean streets of Baltimore. So hoist the sails, batten down the hatches, and get ready to cheer as this plucky pirate crew RACES FOR THE GLORY!"

At the end of the race, the Friends team was awarded the Best Pit Crew. Congratulations!

View pictures from the race