Clackamas County Red Soils Public Service Campus Enhancements

Clackamas County and the Clackamas County Arts Alliance seek to commission one or more artists or artist teams to create permanent public artworks for the County's Red Soils Campus. Opportunity areas include the Plaza connecting two public buildings, the public entry to the Development Services Building from the parking area, and one or more direction finders. In 2008, the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners adopted the Red Soils Public Art Element as a chapter of the larger Red Soils Master Plan. These projects aim to create a welcoming, inviting formal space; tell the story of Clackamas County and its residents; symbolize the history and identity of the site; and represent the County's commitment to sustainability and culture.

The Red Soils Campus is located at 150 SW Beavercreek Road. The site's name refers to the red clay soil common to the lower foothills of the Cascades. The Red Soils Plaza is situated between the Development Services Building and the Public Services Building to the South. The Campus represents the face of Clackamas County, encompassing urban and rural zones with a rich history of native people and pioneer legacy. The County is among Oregon's largest and most diverse, with varied landscapes including rivers, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and the Cascade Range. Projects should reflect these unique aspects of Clackamas County as well as the Red Soils site itself.

Artists are invited to address three main opportunities: (1) Plaza Attractions—enlivening the primary pathway between buildings and drawing pedestrians around the Plaza; (2) Pedestrian Access at Development Services Building—creating an appropriate first impression for visitors; and (3) Interpretive Devices—artful solutions for telling stories and aiding pedestrian way-finding. Possible media include freestanding sculpture, bas-relief window and wall treatments, plaques, rondels, mosaics, medallions, friezes, and work based on or including text. All artwork should strive to create both a welcoming and professional environment. Artists should be aware of the existing public artwork in the Plaza, Brian Goldbloom's "Granite Rug." Work samples of 10 images are required.