Klondike Kate Memorial Sculpture Commission

The Deschutes County Historical Society seeks artistic proposals for a permanent outdoor sculpture to be located on the grounds of the Deschutes Historical Museum in Bend, Oregon. The sculpture will incorporate geologic materials from Klondike Kate Rockwell's rock hound collection and will be presented in memory of artist Charlene Blahnik. Artistic proposals should draw inspiration from the life of Kate Rockwell, her love of the region, and the celebration of creative and independent women of Deschutes County. Material on Kate's history and access to the Deschutes County Historical Society archives will be provided.

The sculpture must be fabricated in durable, permanent outdoor media that is safe and easily maintained, and must not exceed six feet in height. Kate's rock collection includes agates, geodes, jasper, lava, thunder eggs, obsidian, fossilized wood, and other semiprecious stones ranging from 6 to 10 inches in diameter. The rocks should be clearly represented in the sculpture, though there is no requirement on the number of rocks used. The preferred site is next to a grove of aspen trees on the southeast corner of the Museum grounds, adjacent to the historic Reid School building.

This is an open competition for professional artists residing in the western United States, specifically Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Nevada, and California. The funds available for the commission shall not exceed $12,000, which must include permit fees, drawings, transportation, and installation. A committee will evaluate submissions based on artistic excellence, innovation, interactivity, durability, originality, and the work's ability to utilize the materials and subject matter. Three finalists will be invited to present full project proposals and will be reimbursed $400 towards proposal costs. The application deadline is December 4, 2017 at midnight Pacific Time. Submit a current resume, six images of existing artwork with medium, dimensions, location, and price noted, and a statement of interest expressing initial ideas for the proposed work.