Dexter Art Gardens

The Dexter Art Gardens is an annual outdoor artwork exhibition sponsored by the Dexter Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee and the City of Dexter. Three temporary outdoor artworks will be juried and placed on display with the City's permanent collection for one year (June 2018 – May 2019). Selected pieces will be installed on concrete pads in highly trafficked locations in historic Dexter, Michigan.

Eligible artists must be 18 years or older and may submit up to three separate applications. Artwork must be original three-dimensional work suitable for public outdoor display, freestanding without electrical or special lighting requirements, and durable to withstand Michigan climate and public interaction for one year. Entries will be critiqued on artistic merit, originality, technical quality, and durability. Each selected artist will receive an $800 stipend paid after successful installation. Artwork must be available for sale during the exhibition; if sold, it remains on exhibit until the exhibition closes. After expenses and Michigan sales tax (6%) are paid, the artist receives 70% and the City of Dexter receives 30% of the sales price.

Artists are responsible for all shipping, delivery, and installation costs, as well as acquiring fasteners and hardware to secure artwork. Installation appointments will be scheduled between June 1-15, 2018, and de-installation between May 15-31, 2019. The artist or their designee must be present for both installation and de-installation. Selected artworks will be promoted through print brochures distributed at the Dexter Daze Festival (August 10-11, 2018) and Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival (August 13-18, 2018), as well as on the City's website and Facebook page. Applications are accepted exclusively through CaFE with a deadline of April 1, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Applicants may submit 3-10 high-resolution images per artwork.