Gladys Woods Elementary School - Call for Qualifications - Public Art

The Municipality of Anchorage is announcing a call for qualified artists to create artwork for Gladys Woods Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska, in accordance with Municipal Code 7.40. This call is only open to Alaska residents who are able to qualify for the Permanent Fund Dividend.

The art selection jury intends to commission four art installations totaling $125,000 to be permanently installed at four different locations in the renovated school located at 4001 Cranberry St, Anchorage, AK 99502. All locations are interior. Location 1 (Hub, Column Art, All Seasons): $42,000 - features a structural column approximately 8" in diameter and 8' in height that splits into a "Y" extending to a 16' ceiling. The jury is interested in concepts that include an element surrounding the base of the column, such as a bench/seating element or decorative element that would add an additional safety feature. Location 2 (Commons, Ellipses, Spring): $31,000 - includes two ellipses which mirror each other in the commons area (approx. 13'10" x 4'11"), with three circular clouds in the ceiling also available as art locations. Location 3 (Commons, Ellipses, Fall): $31,000 - identical to Location 2 with the primary difference being the theme of "Fall". Location 4 (Hallway, North Wall, Winter): $21,000 - a wall measuring approximately 92' x 9', broken up by three classroom doors and handrails, with the entire surface available for artwork. An artist may apply for one, multiple, or all locations.

Themes should focus on the natural and Alaskan environment with emphasis on South Central Alaska. Representing the four seasons is crucial to the design elements. All artwork must be durable, require minimal maintenance, and pose no safety hazard or risk. The installation must be permanent and designed to last the life of the building. This is an earthquake area and must meet standards in the IBC 2009 building code as amended by the Municipality of Anchorage. All suspended pieces must be at least 18" lower than the sprinkler system. Sculptures taller than 6' must be engineered and permitted through the MOA system. The budget includes all costs of design, fabrication, installation, photographic documentation, catalog documentation, and an identifying plaque. Any permitting, engineer fees, or structural modifications required must be paid by the artist. State laws related to public construction, including licensing, insurance, bonding, and payment of prevailing wage rates, may apply.

Artists will be selected based on artistic merit as evidenced by past work, appropriateness of medium and style in relation to project goals, experience with similar scale projects and the public art process, and communication skills. Diversity of artists and media is encouraged. Artists with no prior public art experience will be seriously considered. Submit six digital images of past work (identified with title, materials, dimensions, and value), a current 1-2 page resume with three professional references, and an artist statement describing your interest or qualifications for this project. Contact: Curator of Public Art, 1% for Art, (907) 343-6473.