Love in Action: Joy, Community, Creativity

Art in the Park, Worcester in partnership with the Arts and Business Council of Boston and the City of Worcester's Parks Department presents "Love in Action: Joy, Community, Creativity", AIPW 2023 Exhibition. Since 2008, a dedicated volunteer committee of cultural arts presenters, sculptors and community supporters have presented this juried exhibition. AIP received the Gold Star Award in 2009 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Gateway Cities' Innovation award in 2017. The exhibit takes place in Elm Park, a National Registry public park featuring Frederick Olmsted Firm designed and inspired elements, meandering paths, three interconnected Mere Ponds, two arched bridges, a boathouse, and playground.

Exhibitors accepted to exhibit and install at Elm Park will each receive an $800.00 stipend (one per artist regardless of number of pieces accepted). Four sculptures or installations will be selected for display at Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA, with additional sites potentially including Worcester Academy and UMASS Medical University. Stipends at these sites range from $400.00 to $800.00. Jurors include Nafis White (Interdisciplinary Public Artist), Ann Hirsch (Sculptor and Instructor, Rhode Island School of Design), Haley Clouser (Curatorial Fellow at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum), and David Wackell (Artist and Anna Maria College's Director of Arts and Culture).

Artists may submit up to three existing and/or proposed site-specific sculptures. Work samples must include 1-3 JPEG images (1200 pixels on longest side, less than 5 MB) and optionally one video per piece. Entry fee is $25.00. Sculptures will be selected based on quality, design, durability, scale, suitability for outdoor environment, safety to the public, and stable mounting. Works should be produced within the past three years and be of appropriate scale to be anchored in a tree, to a base platform, or in the ground. All media must be suitable for outdoor installation and extended weather exposure. Sharp, pointed pieces below 4 feet should be avoided. Installation dates are June 6 & 8, 2023, with opening June 10, 2023. Removal is October 10 & 12, 2023. Lifting equipment will be available at specific times. AIPW will provide liability insurance for sculptures in Elm Park. The park is non-gated with periodic patrols but no 24-hour surveillance. All practicing US sculptors of medium to large-scale works are eligible.