Big Art | 2026-28

BIG ART takes place on the ancestral homelands of Columbia River Gorge tribes. The Art of Community honors their enduring relationship to this land and commits to respectful collaboration with Native artists and communities.

Now in its seventh exhibit cycle (twelfth year), BIG ART will present 18 sculptures on rotating loan from artists nationwide. Sixteen installations will be sited across downtown Hood River, White Salmon, and Bingen, Oregon, with two additional sculptures located at the Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington. The Maryhill Museum is an internationally recognized institution with a renowned outdoor sculpture garden and significant permanent collections, including more than 80 works by Auguste Rodin. Participating artists benefit from significant public visibility and collector engagement. Each sculpture is professionally photographed in situ and featured in a printed walking-tour map and digital guide utilizing Otocast technology, distributed to hotels, galleries, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues across the Pacific Northwest.

Submissions must include photographs or concept drawings of the work from front and back viewpoints. Sculptures should be minimum 48 inches or larger and designed for long-term outdoor durability, including wind exposure and minimal maintenance. Sculptures over 11 feet tall require certified engineering approval for public installation. Works requiring multiple footings or multi-part installations (triptychs) will be considered. Two-dimensional works are encouraged. Creative interpretation, diverse media, and innovative approaches are welcomed. Entry fee: $5.00. Submit 2-6 images.