Monterey Avenue Improvement Project

The Clackamas County Development Agency and Clackamas County Arts Alliance seek to commission an artist or artist team to create an iconic outdoor artwork for the section of Monterey Avenue between 82nd Avenue and I-205 in Clackamas, Oregon. The site is highly visible and viewed by thousands of people daily. The artwork will be sited on the corner of Monterey Avenue and the entrance opposite the cinema parking lot to the Clackamas Town Center, across from the mall monument sign and near the pedestrian traffic signal. The artwork may encompass a 20' x 30' space on the corner or may be sited linearly along the avenue between the sidewalk and the parking lot.

Artists are invited to design and create an artwork that establishes a strong presence along the street and against the brightly lit and vibrantly colored cinema behind it. The public art cannot compromise the safety of pedestrians or vehicles utilizing the traffic signal at the pedestrian crossing, nor should it affect sight lines of passing vehicles. The artwork should provide a boldly prominent visible marker for both vehicles and pedestrians, emphasizing the improved pedestrian environment on Monterey Avenue. Possible solutions include appropriate levels of light and/or roadway excitement, a linear experience along the south side of Monterey Avenue, or dramatic icons using a variety of materials. Artists are encouraged to reflect Clackamas County's commitment to sustainability. Artwork safety and durability requirements include compliance with public safety and ADA standards, durability and easy maintenance, ability to withstand exterior climate conditions, and resistance to theft and vandalism.

The project is open to professional artists or artist teams living or working in the United States and Western Canada. A total budget of $54,000 has been established for this project, including all artist fees, materials, insurance, travel, fabrication, installation, and periodic communications and Steering Committee meetings. Finalists selected will receive a stipend to develop a proposal and present it during a personal interview with the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will select up to three finalists to develop a full proposal. Selection criteria include successful completion of other creative projects of a similar nature, mastery or skill in an artistic media, strong communication and organizational skills, and ability to work within a budget. Applications must include an artist's statement (not exceeding 2000 characters), 10 digital images (1920 x 1920 pixels) illustrating completion of similar projects, a current resume (not to exceed 3 pages), and contact information for 2 professional references. Finalist interviews are scheduled for March 16, 2009, and installation is planned for November 2009.