2014 Hood River, OR Call for Sculpture on Loan - Big Art Outdoor Exhibit

The Art of Community program invites artists to submit sculptures for placement in downtown Hood River for a one-year period running from June through May. Up to 16 sculptures will be selected from submissions and installed around the downtown area. Hood River is located along the Columbia River Gorge within a designated National Scenic Area and hosts major events throughout the year including the Blossom Festival, Pacific Northwest Plein Air, Hood River Hops Fest, Hood River Valley Harvest Festival, Wine and Pear Festival, Gorge Artists Open Studio Tour, and Northwest Exposure Wine Weekend. Selected artworks will be professionally photographed and featured in 35,000 Walking Tour Maps distributed throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Artwork must be a minimum of 48 inches tall and designed for long-term outdoor durability and ease of maintenance, including strong wind resistance. Sculptures taller than 11 feet require a certified engineer's stamp of approval. Works requiring multiple footings or multiple pieces such as triptychs are also considered. Three sites present specific challenges: one is the most visited location in Hood River and requires child-friendly artwork; one site is against a wall; one site backs up to Arborvitae. No fragile works will be accepted.

Selected artists will receive a $500 honorarium upon receipt of artwork. Awards include $1,000 for best in show, $700 for second place, and $350 for third place. Temporary plaques with artist details and website links will accompany each installation. Displayed works will be offered for sale with Art of Community receiving a 20% commission. Pieces purchased and donated to the City will be relocated to a permanent location within city limits. All pieces must remain on-site through the contract duration. Submissions must include two or more digital images taken from front and back viewpoints and installation requirements. The selection committee will select up to 30 pieces for submission to the Art of Community Jury. The project is open to all artists regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply.