Public Art: Boones Ferry Park – 'The Essence of the River'

The City of Wilsonville, Oregon is requesting qualifications from talented artist(s) and/or artist team(s) to create a new and engaging public artwork(s) for Boones Ferry Park, a ~15-acre park adjacent to the Willamette River. The park also features the historic Tauchman House, formerly the home to the operator of the historic Boones Ferry, and a new inclusive playground installed in 2024 with river-inspired elements. The theme for this Public Art Project is "The Essence of the River." The Willamette River flows from west to east through town and was historically the site of a ferry and sternwheeler landing. The 2018 Boones Ferry Master Plan identified a desire for greater connection to the river while retaining the park's quiet greenness, relaxed atmosphere, and connection to the historic past.

There are three (3) zones or location options for public art at this site. Artist(s) may choose to create separate works for multiple locations or focus entirely on one zone. Each zone can accommodate approximately a 10-ft x 10-ft (or 10-ft in diameter) base with an 18-ft height limit. The total all-inclusive budget is $100,000, not to exceed. The selected artist/team are responsible for all items including travel, design costs, engineering approvals, materials, fabrication, delivery, site preparations, physical installation, and liability insurance. Artists/teams are encouraged to incorporate a lighting plan for viewer enjoyment and vandalism deterrent. Installation should take place between October 2025 to October 2026.

The selection process occurs in three stages. Stage One is an RFQ process where City Staff, Public Art Experts, and members from the Arts, Culture and Heritage Commission (ACHC) will review submissions based on previous body of work, design aesthetic, relevant experience with large-scale public art projects, and narrative responses. The top 6-12 RFQ submissions will advance to Stage Two, where the Selection Panel (9-member ACHC and project stakeholders) will independently score submissions. The top three artists or artist teams will advance to Stage Three: Request for Proposals (RFP)/Finalist Phase. Up to three finalists will receive a $1,500 design stipend and participate in a mid-May 2025 site visit. Work samples must include 5-7 images. Entry deadline: 2/11/25 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Contact: [email protected]