Hood River BIG ART Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit

Hood River BIG ART Outdoor Gallery is seeking sculptures for its sixth exhibit. The Art of Community invites artists to submit applications for placement of their sculptures around the downtown Hood River area for a two-year period running from April 2024 to March 2026. Up to 15 sculptures will be selected and installed in the downtown area, which is located along the Columbia River Gorge within a designated National Scenic Area.

Artwork must be a minimum of 48 inches tall and designed for long-term outdoor durability and ease of maintenance, including strong wind resistance. Sculptures taller than 11 feet require a certified engineer stamp of approval. Two-dimensional submittals are encouraged. Works requiring multiple footings or multiple pieces such as triptychs will be considered. Selected artists will receive a $1,500 stipend ($750 upon receipt of artwork and $750 at pickup). Temporary plaques with artist details and website links will accompany each installation. Artwork will be professionally photographed and featured in 20,000 walking tour maps distributed throughout the Pacific Northwest, as well as in the OtoCast smartphone app. Pieces may be offered for sale with Art of Community receiving a 20% commission. All pieces must remain on-site through the duration of the contract.

Submissions must include two or more digital images taken from front and back viewpoints, showing size, scale, and installation requirements. A selection committee will evaluate submissions based on artistic quality, context, site compatibility, materials suitability, safety, public safety, environmental impact, media, diversity, feasibility, and duplication. The selection panel will choose up to 30 pieces for submission to the Art of Community Jury. Entry fee is $5.00. The project is open to all artists regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Artist teams are eligible to apply.