Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project

The City of Olympia is seeking an artist or artist team to repurpose an old steel water tank located at Grass Lake Nature Park into three sculptural elements: one bird blind and two entryway markers. At 195.71 acres, the park contains the headwaters of Green Cove Creek and one of the most environmentally intact wetland systems in northern Thurston County. Over 100 bird species and 200 plant species have been recorded in the park. The park's primary functions are wildlife protection, wildlife viewing, and environmental education.

The project budget is $32,000. Application requirements include contact information, letter of interest, 8 work samples, annotated image list, 3 professional references, and resume. This project is open to artists within Washington state, with the following caveat: the City is willing to deliver the full 10' x 23' tank to a fabrication site within 60 miles of Olympia, WA. Artists who prefer to demo the structure onsite (or keep intact) and haul the material themselves may work outside that radius. City of Olympia staff, Commissioners, panel members, project personnel, and immediate family members of all of the above are not eligible to apply.

Anticipated Project Schedule: January 2024 - City Council approval of project artist; March-May 2024 - Concept plan development and City Council approval; June 2024 - Park construction projected to begin; July 2024 - Steel tank available for selected artist; September 2024 - Artwork installed.