Denver Botanic Gardens Marnie Pavilion Commission

Denver Botanic Gardens seeks a commissioned artwork to enliven the informal grand staircase in Marnie's Pavilion, a two-story indoor orchid display area that connects the Gardens' landmark Boettcher Memorial Conservatory building with new greenhouses and orangery. The work must be durable and able to withstand human touch, heat, light, humidity, and meet all ADA regulations. Artists are encouraged to think beyond mere plant representation.

The dominant plaster finish wall of the stairway landing measures 18'11" tall to the base of a large skylight and is 16'5" wide, with internal studs 16" on center. Artists are encouraged to take advantage of the natural light from the skylight. The budget for this commission is approximately $110,000 USD, inclusive of all costs including design fee, consultation fees, structural engineering, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, travel, per diem, project documentation, and contingency.

Applicants must submit eight digital images, a résumé, an artist's statement of no longer than 500 words, and a statement of interest via www.callforentry.org. Between one and five semi-finalists will be selected and invited for interviews; semi-finalists will receive a $1,000 USD honorarium to prepare and present a final proposal in person and are expected to pay their own travel expenses. Denver's Public Art program is open to all artists regardless of background or experience in public art, and artists may apply as individuals or multi-person collaborations. The entry deadline is July 29, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.