Open Call for Artists - Oyster Factory Park

The Town of Bluffton is seeking sculptors and other 3D artists to create an original, durable, outdoor piece for historic Oyster Factory Park. The Oyster Factory is the last hand-shucking facility in South Carolina. The commission should educate visitors to the importance of fishing, shrimping, and oystering to the local economy and the environmental significance of the May River.

The winning commission will be human scale and reflective of the historic activities and people of Bluffton. It may be in a classic sculpture style or more contemporary with a subdued palette. Media can include bronze, stone, wood, metal, ceramic, concrete, mosaic, or other materials suitable for exterior display. The resulting piece should be safe and durable if people will be touching it and photographing themselves with it. The permanent location is in the Open Green Space in the eastern portion of the park, midway between the river and the parking area.

Applicants must submit 4-10 images of their initial design and a PDF document including an artist's statement, information about materials and durability, schedule from contract award to installation, ongoing maintenance requirements, professional resume/CV, past project images and references, and an estimated budget not to exceed $65,000 (including artist's commission, materials and manufacturing costs, transportation, and installation costs). Artists eligible for this open call should be established artists or artist-led teams who work in 3D media and have completed projects for private clients, public agencies, and/or grassroots or community projects. Entry deadline is January 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Jury evaluations will take place January 11-28. The Public Arts Commission will make a final recommendation at the February 25 public meeting, with Town Council approval on April 8.