Call for Sculpture

Silverwood Park is seeking proposals for outdoor sculpture to be installed in June 2023. One proposal will be selected and awarded a $10,000 honorarium to support its creation. The juror is Ryan Fontaine.

Silverwood Park, a Three Rivers Park District facility located in St. Anthony, MN, is a 120-acre park devoted to the integration of artistic creation and nature-based experiences. The park features views of Silver Lake, restored prairie, and mature oak forests. The main visitor's center includes a gallery, café/coffee shop, sales gallery, and large event hall. Other amenities include education facilities, picnic sites, fishing opportunities, and paved trails.

Artists 18 years of age or older who primarily live or work in the Midwest are invited to submit proposals individually or collaboratively. Proposals are accepted for individual and collaborative works, including freestanding sculpture and site-specific installations. Preference is given to site-specific projects designed for Silverwood. Due to the 2-year duration, seasonal or ephemeral work will not be given priority. Materials should be appropriate to an outdoor environment and should not negatively impact natural habitat, wildlife, or park guests. Artists may suggest a specific location in the park, but the final site will be determined once work is accepted and approved by both parties.

Proposals will be judged on artistic merit, capability, budget, and impact as evidenced by past work and supporting materials. A panel including Ryan Fontaine and Park District staff members will review proposals. Ideal proposals will support the mission of Silverwood Park, with work designed specifically for the park and interactive designs encouraged.

The artist is responsible for all associated expenses related to design, fabrication, transportation, installation, de-installation, and removal. These costs should be factored into the $10,000 budget. Work is to be installed in June 2023, with a minimum installation duration of 2 years. The artist retains ownership of the work. Silverwood will provide signage, an audio stop associated with the work, and basic maintenance of site. Upon installation, Silverwood will assume limited liability for gross damage or theft, excluding ceramic, glass, and other fragile materials or damage resulting from faulty construction or materials.

Application materials due March 1, 2022 at 11:59 pm Mountain Time Zone must include: resume (2-page max), artist statement (1 page max), proposal (1 page max), budget (1 page max), 10 images with title, materials, size, year completed, dimensions, and optional description for each, and optional video (one video accepted for rendering). An info session will be held Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 pm (in person and Zoom options available). Artist notification will be by May 1, 2022. For further information, contact Eileen Cohen at [email protected] or 763-694-2091.