The Big Race by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

The Big Race by P. Buckley Moss is an exhilarating Limited Edition, Lithograph, Numbered Edition, Rare print created in 1994 and issued as part of the distinguished P. Buckley Moss Historic Landmark Collection. This vibrant cityscape captures the electric energy of race day, where history, community, and athletic determination converge in one unforgettable moment.

In The Big Race, hundreds of runners surge forward at the starting line beneath a bold banner reading “BIX 7 START.” The streets are alive with motion as athletes of all ages and numbers press toward the course ahead. Moss places the viewer at the heart of the action, standing just behind the red and yellow starting stripes as the race begins.

Framing the scene are tall brick buildings that define the historic character of the downtown setting. A pedestrian bridge marked “Pontiac” stretches across the street above the crowd, while distant hills soften the horizon beyond the urban architecture. A “Freemason” sign appears along one building, grounding the artwork in recognizable local character. The blend of historic structures and bustling human movement gives the piece both architectural depth and emotional immediacy.

This artwork commemorates the iconic Bix 7 Road Race held in Davenport, Iowa — one of the nation’s most celebrated community races. Moss captures not only the physical start of the race but also the spirit of unity, excitement, and shared purpose that defines such an event. The Big Race is a celebration of endurance, civic pride, and collective ambition.

Style & Technique

This Limited Edition, Lithograph, Numbered Edition, Rare demonstrates P. Buckley Moss’s exceptional talent for combining narrative storytelling with architectural detail. While many of her works emphasize pastoral calm, The Big Race bursts with dynamic energy.

The crowd is rendered in Moss’s signature stylized figures — elongated forms with expressive gestures and simplified facial features. Though individual details are minimal, the collective motion is unmistakable. Splashes of reds, yellows, and whites create rhythmic movement across the composition, conveying the pulse of race day.

The warm brick tones of the surrounding buildings contrast beautifully with the cool grays and greens of the distant landscape. Moss balances the bustling foreground with steady architectural lines, ensuring the composition remains structured despite the sense of motion.

As part of the P. Buckley Moss Historic Landmark Collection, this piece reflects her dedication to preserving meaningful American locations and events through art. The lithograph medium captures the crisp linework and layered color washes that bring this celebratory cityscape to life.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of The Big Race is energetic, communal, and triumphant. It embodies the anticipation felt in the seconds before the starting signal — a shared breath among hundreds preparing to give their best.

Moss was inspired by the significance of local traditions and historic landmarks that bind communities together. The Bix 7 race is more than a competition; it is a celebration of perseverance, civic pride, and personal achievement. By immortalizing this event, Moss honors both the runners and the city that hosts them.

The artwork reminds viewers that great accomplishments often begin with a single step taken among many. It speaks to athletes, spectators, and dreamers alike — capturing the universal excitement of embarking on a challenge.

Placement & Gift Ideas

The Big Race is ideal for home offices, fitness rooms, corporate spaces, running clubs, or sports-themed décor. Its lively composition makes it a dynamic focal point in any room that celebrates motivation and achievement.

This rare lithograph makes a meaningful gift for marathon runners, Bix 7 participants, coaches, sports enthusiasts, Iowa natives, corporate award recipients, or collectors of historic Americana art. It is especially valuable for those with personal ties to the race or to Davenport’s historic downtown.

Displayed individually or alongside other works from the P. Buckley Moss Historic Landmark Collection, The Big Race stands as a tribute to community spirit and athletic endurance.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs)

🌟 Fun Fact: The Bix 7 Road Race, founded in 1975, is widely recognized as one of the most challenging and celebrated 7-mile races in the United States, drawing elite runners and community participants alike each summer.