Art in the Yard

Art in the Yard is presented by Gloria D Hall, Ideator and Co-Founder of Art in the Park, Worcester in conjunction with the Oxford Free Public Librarian Brittany McDougall and the library's trustees. The exhibit is designed to enhance the library experience, bring public art to the citizens of Oxford, MA and provide an opportunity for artists to showcase their work. The site is located at 339 Oxford Free Public Library, 339 Main Street, Oxford, MA, a sand colored brick two story Queen Anne Style building constructed in 1902 and opened to the public in 1903, situated on three quarters of an acre with six large oak trees and manicured lawns.

Artists may submit proposals for site-specific sculptures or high-resolution images of up to two sculptures. Work should be produced within the past five years and must be the property of the artist. Sculptures should be large scale with the ability to be well anchored in a tree, into the ground, or on a base platform provided by the artist. All media must be safe for viewers, suitable for outdoor installation, and appropriate for extended outdoor exhibition and exposure to weather. Sharp and pointed pieces should be avoided below 4 feet to prevent injury to viewers. Artists are encouraged to submit pieces with strong color or bright metal. Highly desired are sculptures with light features. Selection will be based on quality, visual design, and experience of place in relationship to the architectural and social surrounding and landscape. The Oxford Free Public Librarian and trustees will select the sculptures.

Entry deadline is April 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Artists will be notified April 21, 2025. Installation is scheduled for June 10 or 12, 2025, with opening day June 14, 2025. The exhibition runs June 14 - November 30, 2025. Artists are responsible for transporting, installing, and removing their work with limited volunteer assistance. Heavy-duty machinery for unloading and setup will be available on a limited scheduled basis. The site does not have twenty-four hour surveillance and neither the property-owner nor the call administrator can be held responsible for damages. Artists should have their own liability and property insurance. Artist retains copyright interests in the artwork, with the exception that the presenter and its agents may reproduce images of the artwork for marketing and reports.