Exterior Sculpture Commission for Conservatory Metropolitan District, Aurora

The Conservatory Metropolitan District in Aurora, Colorado is seeking an artist to complete an exterior sculptural commission for this residential community in southeastern Aurora. The community emphasizes wildlife and nature, with residents enjoying birdwatching, hiking, and biking.

The sculpture site is a sloping naturalized open space that serves as the community center, located across from Frontier Elementary School near district signage and along a walking path and well-travelled roadway. The art selection panel seeks an exterior sculpture that visually depicts the ideals of the Conservatory related to the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Colorado plains region. The panel is interested in work that is evocative of the natural world and is open to representational and abstract approaches. The artwork could be a series rather than a single element, visible to those driving by and those using the pathway. It could take the form of a sculptural seating arrangement serving as a gathering place, with a short path developed for access from the walkway. Electricity is not available at the site; any lighting must use solar power and be contained within the project budget.

Materials must be durable and appropriate for exterior applications in the Front Range climate, with temperatures ranging from sub-zero to over 100 degrees and temperature swings exceeding 40 degrees within hours. Snow, hail, wind, and extreme sun are environmental considerations. The project budget is $72,000. Applicants must be legally residing in the USA and located in Colorado or surrounding states (Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah). Submission materials include 8-10 images of relevant past work (up to 2 videos), a resume not exceeding two pages, a statement describing interest in the project and relevant skills, and names and contact information for three professional references. Finalists will be notified July 31, 2017, with tentative finalist presentations September 18, 2017, and desired project installation in summer 2018. Questions should be directed to Roberta Bloom, City of Aurora Public Art Coordinator.