Highlands Biological Station Public Art Commission

The Highlands Biological Foundation (HBF), a nonprofit partner of the Highlands Biological Station (HBS, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University), seeks to commission a new, 8 ft. site-specific sculpture for the entrance to the newly completed North Campus. HBF invites artists to share their portfolios, qualifications, or sculpture proposals with the Public Art Committee of WCU.

The Highlands Biological Station is a 30-acre property containing the Highlands Nature Center, Laboratory, and a historic Botanical Garden. The sculpture's mission should reflect HBS's focus on research and education centered on the rich natural heritage of the Highlands Plateau, while preserving and celebrating the integrity of the "biological crown of the southern Appalachian Mountains." The sculpture should reflect the abundance of beauty in the natural world specific to the Highlands Plateau by including flora or fauna native to the location. Ideally, the sculpture would have a sense of movement without actually being mobile, as weather elements need to be considered.

The predetermined outdoor installation site is on top of a concrete rectangle (35"x135" and 42" tall) located at the new North Campus development. The site overlooks Lindenwood Lake and is surrounded by a pollinator garden, boardwalks, an over-the-water teaching pavilion, and seating terrace. Thousands of visitors including summer camp attendees, hikers, gardeners, families, researchers, and dogwalkers use this entrance.

The artist(s) chosen will receive a 1-year contract to cover planning, creation, and installation. WCU's Public Art Committee will work with the selected artist(s) to ensure fair and equitable compensation. Once completed, the sculpture will remain on display on Highlands Biological Station's campus under the care of the WCU Fine Art Museum's permanent public art collection. The completed sculpture will be featured across WCU social media and in university publications and promotions.

Proposed sculptures should be 8-10 ft. tall (including 42" base), 4-8 ft. wide (including base), and constructed of any long-lasting durable material such as bronze or stone. Applicants must consider the wide variations of weather in North Carolina.

Submission requirements include: description of proposed design (up to three proposals in the form of drawings, digital files, written descriptions, images of models, or other formats); images of previous work examples demonstrating skill and expertise in the medium (not to exceed 16 images); project budget inclusive of all costs; project timeline including proposed start date, site visit date, build, delivery, and final installation; project preservation procedures including suggested maintenance schedule and cost estimate; resume or CV demonstrating history of working in the medium; and references for no less than three individuals.