2015 Uptown Tree Project

The City of Greeley is committed to linking the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) campus to downtown Greeley with a trail of artwork for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to enjoy. This part of the Downtown/UNC Art Walk corridor will be in collaboration with Community Development's 8th Avenue improvements and the Downtown Development Authority. The Uptown Tree program allows the versatility needed to help create the art corridor. The first "planting" of trees along the corridor in 2014 included ten trees that have added interest, form, color and fun. Over the next four years, this program will add twenty (20) more original sculptural art trees. Five (5) additional art trees will be added in the fall of 2015.

Artists are invited to apply their creative energies to continue the designing and fabrication of these Art Trees. The intent of the program is to purchase tree sculptures that are diverse. Maximum creativity in design and selection of materials is encouraged. All forms of media that are appropriate and complementary to the project, theme and site, that can withstand Colorado's weather extremes, require little or no maintenance and do not invite vandalism will be considered. There isn't a common theme and each tree will be completely unique. Art tree designs may range from literal to surreal, to kinetic to musical and to just plain fun. Any form balanced in a tree-like pose that is sculpted around a 'trunk' and 'rooted' in a large planter box will meet the 'tree' definition of this program.

A budget of up to $10,000 to include all applicable expenses, including but not limited to design fees, execution, transportation and installation of the artwork selected is currently available for each approved art tree sculpture. Designs proposed to exceed the budget will not be considered. All artwork must be original or limited edition pieces. Artists are required to design artwork around a steel or aluminum pole (trunk) provided by the artist. The pole must have a 6 inch outside diameter unless otherwise approved and cannot be over 20 feet high. Artwork shall be fabricated and securely attached to the tree trunk pole by the artist. Pole may be painted, sculpted or otherwise modified provided that structural integrity is maintained. Artists may also create artwork around a sleeve that slips over the pole that is securely attached. There will not be electrical power available at any of the 'planting' sites so Art Trees must be fully self-contained. Artists will be responsible for the installation with assistance from City staff. The City will provide the required 40"x40"x30"H concrete planter box and a 24" round 7' deep concrete base foundation. The artist will be required to weld a sheet of metal to the bottom of their pole to be bolted onto the 24" round concrete base. Maximum height for any element of the sculpture is 20 feet high. Clearance to walk under the lowest part of Art Trees will be 10 feet from ground level where the artwork protrudes over the sidewalk beyond the 40" square planter. Any part of the Tree protruding over the street needs to be 17 ft. above ground level to avoid traffic parking along the curb. Wind load will be a major concern; artists are highly encouraged to contact a structural engineer for advice. Due to City of Greeley sign code, art trees that could be interpreted as a form of advertising or signage for businesses nearby will not be accepted. Sculptures will be reviewed in final form. Sculptures not built to required specifications and/or according to the contracted design may be rejected at any time before or shortly after installation upon review by the Art Commission.

Proposals from artists must include: a resume (one copy with education, past exhibits, designs and installations, and at least one reference from a previous project client); up to 6 digital images of past works/projects with an inventory sheet including title, medium, dimensions, location and date produced; a written Letter of Intent describing the expected design approach and type of materials, an understanding of the physical setting and context of the 8th Ave. corridor, and any experience with similar project design, construction and installation; and a visual example of proposed sculpture by drawings showing three views, a 3-D model, or photos showing 3 views of artwork if pre-existing. Top Five artists selected will be notified on April 22, 2015 and will begin detailed design phase. 3-D models and detailed design are due in the Public Art office by 4pm on May 8, 2015. Final approval will be completed by May 12, 2015 and the contracting process begins. Monthly project reports are required June through August to show fabrication progress. Installation is scheduled for September 2015.