Montpelier Art Center Public Art Opportunity

The Arts and Cultural Heritage Division of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George's Department of Parks and Recreation invites individual artists and artist teams to submit applications for exterior sculptural artwork to be installed on a temporary basis at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, Maryland. The organization is seeking existing sculptural works rather than design and fabrication of new work. The selected artwork will be placed on a concrete pad approximately 14 feet in diameter and 6 inches in height, sited on a lawn area at the center of the circular driveway directly in front of the entry to the Arts Center.

This public art project seeks to enhance the outdoor environment of the Montpelier Arts Center and Mansion by making a significant statement that relates to the sense of place associated with the site, having a strong daytime and nighttime presence, setting a standard of excellence for future public art projects in Prince George's County, and capturing the county's historic and modern significance to the Greater Washington, D.C. region. The sculpture is anticipated to be installed in October 2023 and remain on display through October 2025. Artists will retain ownership of sculptures unless otherwise authorized and arranged.

The budget for the temporary art installation is $3,000 for the two-year exhibition period, paid in two installments: $2,000 upon successful installation and $1,000 upon successful deinstallation. Eligible applicants are artists and design professionals over the age of 18, applying as individuals or teams. Sculptures may include metal, mosaics, glass or other materials suitable for outdoor installation and must be weatherproof and virtually maintenance free for the duration of the exhibition. Preference will be given to artists and artist teams that are residents of or maintain an artist studio in the greater District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia region (approximately 100-mile radius from Montpelier Art Center). Submissions must include images of no more than 5 different sculptures (up to 10 total images), an accompanying image identifying sheet with descriptive information, installation and mounting requirements, a narrative description relating to the public art goals, availability and timeline information, maintenance requirements, and a brief artist bio/resume.