Art Match City of Bend Oregon: Deschutes County Library - Eastside Branch

Art in Public Places seeks to commission a three-dimensional wall sculpture for the Deschutes County Library Eastside branch in Bend, Oregon. The library is located at 62080 Dean Swift Road in a brand new multi-use complex opening in March 2011. The work of art will hang on a prominent wall in the children's area (1,400 sq. ft.), serving as the focal point of the room. The primary wall space is 36 ft. W x 6 ft. H, with an optional secondary wall of 18 ft. W x 6 ft. H. The wall color is two shades of sage green.

The work must be fabricated in lightweight, durable, indoor media that is safe, easily maintained, and has proven viability in public artworks. The work should be colorful, large-scale, age-appropriate for children ages 0-12, and created in sections/panels so that load-bearing weight does not exceed 50 lbs. at each anchor point. The children's area includes chairs, sitting cubes in bright colors, and book shelves. The committee will evaluate submissions based on artistic merit, artist's past experience, and the ability to create work that appeals to both children and adults.

This is an open competition for professional artists residing in the Northwest United States (Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, and Northern California). Teams are welcome to apply. Funds available for the commission shall not exceed $60,000, provided through the ArtMatch program funded by Brooks Resources, the Bend Foundation, private donors, businesses, Celebrate Bend Foundation, and the City of Bend. The completed work becomes the property of the Deschutes County Library; the artist retains copyright and grants a license for display and reproduction for archival or promotional purposes.

Submit electronically by 1 a.m. Mountain Time on April 17, 2011: a current resume with artwork statements and brief exhibition records, 4 artwork images (with medium, dimensions, location, and price noted), and a statement of interest explaining why your work suits the project. Questions may be directed to Cate O'Hagan at [email protected]. Project timeline: Notification of finalists late April to early May 2011; presentation of models/proposals early July 2011; selection July 2011; installation November-December 2011.