Hood River BIG ART Sculpture Walk

Hood River BIG ART is a public art exhibition program of Arts in Education of the Gorge, now in its third exhibit. The program consists of up to 25 sculptures on loan from artists around the country, installed in the downtown Hood River area for approximately two years, running from March 2017 to March 2019. Hood River is located along the Columbia River Gorge within a designated National Scenic Area and hosts major events throughout the year including Blossom Festival, Pacific Northwest Plein Art, Hood River Hops Fest, Hood River Valley Harvest Festival, Wine and Pear Festival, Gorge Artists Open Studio Tour, and Northwest Exposure Wine Weekend.

Artwork must be designed and fabricated for long-term outdoor durability and ease of maintenance, including strong wind resistance. Minimum suggested size is 48 inches tall or larger. Sculptures taller than 11 feet require a certified engineer's stamp of approval. Works requiring multiple footings or multiple pieces such as triptychs are also considered. Two-dimensional pieces are encouraged and will be accommodated at three designated locations with metal easels provided; outdoor reproductions are estimated at $250 and paid from the artist's stipend.

Selected artists receive a $500 stipend upon receipt of artwork. Awards include $1,000 for best in show, $700 for second place, and $350 for third place. Temporary plaques with artist details and website links accompany each installation. Works are regionally promoted and offered for sale with Art of Community receiving a 20% commission. Pieces purchased and donated to the City are relocated to permanent locations within city limits. All pieces must remain on-site through the contract duration. A $8,000 Culture & Creative Grant is available for artists of Native American, Japanese, or Latino backgrounds who have lived in Oregon for a minimum of six months. Submissions must include two or more digital images from front and back viewpoints. The selection committee will evaluate submissions based on artistic quality, context, site compatibility, materials suitability, safety, public safety, environmental impact, media, diversity, feasibility, and duplication.