Do This: Dr. Nik Retrospekt

William Pearson, or Dr. Nik, as he's better known, doesn't have much interest in money.

The local artist, puppeteer, musician and radio host has garnered some attention in the last year with the whimsically decorated bikes he's placed around Sarasota. But despite the spotlight and occasional offers for money, he says his art isn't about any of that.

"I do it just to do it," he says. "It brings me joy. I don't care about money. I've got my dove bike, my tiger car and my kayak. I don''t need much."

This Saturday, Dr. Nik will display 16 of his bikes, an assortment of his puppets and other works of art at Dr. Nik's Retrospekt, an art opening at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center.

Dr. Nik has been performing music and creating art for most of his life, but last year, his bright pink flamingo-covered bike struck a chord with Sarasotans, and he's continued to create different themed bikes since then.

"It was interesting to me that the bikes are the thing that caught on," he says. "I think it's a whimsy thing. People can relate — everybody rides bikes."

His work is a seeming extension of his positive outlook on life, which he hopes to share with others.

"I have a saying," he says. "A flat tire ain't a bad thing until you make it one."

IF YOU GO:

Dr. Nik Retrospekt — takes place at 7 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. $10. Features music by Joe Bruno's Dixieland Jazz Band.