A gifted artist's gift to a community treasure

The gifted Artist

Jedrek Speer is a renowned artist. A graduate of Pleasant Valley High School in 1995, Jed is quick to point out the inspiration from beloved art teacher Ed Logan, in both print design and murals. Like many local grads, Jed yearned to move out of Chico and did so successfully. First stop, a stint in Tahoe before moving to Santa Cruz in 2000. After three years gathering experience and knowledge in film and digital media, he set his sights on L.A. There, he went to work, putting his skills in media on display, including a gig with E! Entertainment. Jed simply was not fulfilled or happy and, after meeting a gal, found himself in the apparel industry drawing for her. He was hired away and, not surprisingly, moved back to Chico to work for 5th Sun. Jed realized the move made sense, especially considering his family. Once again breaking away, he and a friend ventured into the apparel world through their company, Seizer One Designs. With all this both in front and behind him, Jed felt strongly about bringing a Southern California vibe to his hometown.

Jed revived his early inspiration in the world of murals by bringing vibrantly colored walls to Chico, at a time they were sorely lacking. His “LOVE” murals on the west end of Lulu’s building burst onto the scene as an instantaneous selfie and insta-place to be featured on demand. The art world is known for collaborations, and Jed joined Christian Garcia to bring to life the healing “Here We Grow” mural in Paradise. Jed noted, “It was meant to be considered empowering.” So then, what happens when a lifelong friend, mentor, and early source of inspiration asks you to install a mural in the front window of his bike shop? Beyond merely answering the call, you reminisce, seek perfection, and discover the unwavering truth behind this remarkable childhood hero, Dax Downey. Dax has been owner and operator of Greenline Cycles, a unique local bike shop located in Downtown Chico. Interesting that the first shop he worked at was known as Family Cyclery. Dax treated the young people around like his family. Jed mused, “I met Dax when I was around 11 or 12 years old. My friend and I would ride the bus down from Paradise to ride in the parks in Chico. Dax was the same warm and kind person he is today, but I felt he made an extra effort to make sure we were taken care of.” He also shared the fact Dax always allowed them to take his bikes out, which were always the newest and the best. Jed also recalls Dax took him snowboarding for the very first time. He smiles at the fact that, at age 15, Dax hired him to be his first employee. Jed laughs, “I’m sure I was an awful employee!” As a son of a single mom and not having a lot of stuff, he holds Dax close to his heart as “a gem, a shining light in all the dark.” Then as Jed got deeper and deeper into the project for Dax’s storefront, a tide turned revealing an awesome reality.

The Greenline piece’s concept, set for the front window, came immediately to Jed, featuring Dax in the forefront on his bike and a series of geometric shapes suggesting a mountain of possible jumps and curves. As the project continued to take shape, Jed just kept hearing about Dax and discovered he had influenced young people all over the place. He did some research and, in the end, a large list of names was put together to be included as part of the mural—all without Dax knowing. All of these fortunate young men fit the same description of single parents, hard times, and not much stuff. Jed remembers running into Dax in L.A. for the X Games. He had brought a kid in a wheelchair so he could see the games up close. The sheer amount of names on the list lit up the backdrop of the geometrical artwork. The names serve as a beautiful sunset of sorts reaching out from behind.

At the revealing on a hot evening in July, Jed spoke of Dax the mentor, the influencer, the shining light in the dark. Jed knows the project turned out to be special. The tears in both Dax and Jed’s eyes can attest to that. To Jedrek Speer, the renowned artist, “Dax is so much more than a bike shop owner. He is my hero, but he is also the hero of so many others. Your wings are so big my friend; feel your heart so full. I love you and thank you for being such a positive light for me and our community.” So, in the end, that is what you do when a lifelong friend, mentor, and early source of inspiration asks you to install a mural in the front window of his bike shop.