Art in its Natural State 2017

Art in its Natural State is a regional competition for the creation of 10 temporary, outdoor artworks to be displayed at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas. The competition is open to artists from Arkansas, Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Virginia. Artists submit a design mock-up, build plan, and artist statement for up to three outdoor sites. The best fit for the competition will likely be structural, sculptural, or landscape art. The theme is "Art in its Natural State," challenging artists to work in harmony with the sites they chose, either by complementing the natural landscape of Petit Jean Mountain or highlighting the environment's beauty with aesthetically pleasing contrasts.

Artists may submit up to three designs. The entry fee is $25 for the first design and $5 for up to two additional designs. Work sample requirements include a minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 images. Submissions are accepted through September 4, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Winning artists will be notified beginning in October. The judging panel includes representatives from the Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and representatives from the Institute and Park.

Ten designs will be commissioned for completion. Winning artists receive a $5,000 stipend to cover material costs and transportation of the work to Petit Jean Mountain. The Institute will reimburse specific portions of personal travel as identified in the Artist Contract. Lodging and meals are provided during the March installation period. After notification, winning artists have approximately 6 months to prototype and complete their work before a one-week installation period starting March 2, 2018. Works will be on display with an opening event on March 10, 2018. Works in the Park will be displayed until July 31, 2018, and works at the Institute until March 1, 2019.