The 1st annual Human Powered Art Event was held July 1-18, 1993 at The Center for Appropriate Transport (CAT) (see previous description), a project of the Rain Umbrella. The event included display and performance art from all media showcasing human powered machinery. The purpose of the show was to celebrate human power and to foster the culture of cycling, creating awareness through artwork. The Umbrella promotes cycling as a means towards preserving natural resources and preventing urban sprawl.

Through the show, those already familiar with human powered vehicles could feel inspired and in touch with others sharing their interests. Those who were at first interested only in the art were exposed to bike culture.

Functional designs for the 1993 show included classic bicycles, a pedal-powered catamaran, workbikes, prototypes, and recumbents. The fine art ranged from children's sketches to complex kinetic sculpture, all inspired by the form of the bicycle. Photographs, constructions, and carvings represented styles from classic to post-modern, and came from 65 artists around the United States (see photos).

A parade was also part of the show. About 80 cyclists of all ages rode decorated, classic, recumbent and custom bikes, rolling away from CAT in the morning, traveling Eugene's excellent river bike paths. En route they were served by a workbike full of ice-cold drinks. The parade crossed a bicycle-only bridge and looped around to Eugene's largest public park, making a grand entrance at the annual Art and the Vineyard festival (see photos). Parade pedalers displayed their bikes for the festival or parked them in CAT's bike valet parking area (see Valet Parking description following).

Planning for the project began in 1992 when CAT volunteers were inspired by similar art shows, received with great success around the world. A local graphic design firm donated much effort in creating the call for entries, the poster, and various announcements for the show. The show committee sent out public service announcements, networked with artists and art organizations, and organized volunteers and donations of food and talent for the show's July 1st opening (see call for entries and flyer.)

Volunteers organized a children's art day where youngsters created mobiles, chimes, and sculptures from donated bike parts. Volunteers also organized a "decorate-your-bike-day" on July 2nd just in time for the Bicycle Parade on July 3rd. The July 1st opening included a participatory music event for children and adults entitled the "Human Powered Jam" (see photos and call for participation).

CAT was transformed into an art and design gallery during the Human Powered Art Event in July. The Human Powered Art event will be housed within the CAT every year.

An Art Show Committee will consist of volunteers and will oversee the event each year. The committee will begin meeting in January of each year to plan the event, and will wrap up its duties in early August, at the conclusion of the show.

The Rain Umbrella received a $1,500 grant from the Lane County Arts Council for the show, as well as donations from every local bike shop in the city, as well as individuals. The entire show was run by volunteers.