Jean W. Wallace Wetlands Trailhead Sculpture

This call seeks a permanent artwork to mark the beginning of the Jean W. Wallace Wetlands Trailhead on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail (HSCGT). The artwork should specifically relate to the ecosystem of the wetlands, which are a flood plain of Hot Springs Creek home to unique flora, fauna, and natural resources. The trailhead will add a quarter mile to the existing 3.5-mile HSCGT, which extends from downtown Hot Springs to Lake Hamilton.

The artwork will be installed in the middle of a circular parking area on TV Hill Road, in and/or around an 8-foot stacked stone conical fountain. The fountain enclosure area is 25 feet in diameter with a low stone ledge suitable for seating, allowing for an in-the-round experience of the artwork. Artwork must be fabricated of durable materials suitable for permanent outdoor display, considering that the public will be able to touch the work. Artwork inspired by and harmonious with the wetlands is preferred. Artwork cannot contain logos, tag lines, or be thematically linked to any commercial business, establishment, product, or service.

A budget of $15,000-$18,000 has been earmarked for this project, covering the artist's travel, design, fabrication, delivery, and installation. A detailed budget with a required 10% contingency must be included. This call is open to artists living in the Mid-America Region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas). Artists and artist teams, particularly those with experience in the design, fabrication, and installation of permanent public art, are encouraged to apply. Work samples should include 3-20 images and up to 1 video.