Public Art for Colts Neck Road Underpass

Public Art Reston is seeking an established professional artist or artist team from the Mid-Atlantic region to create a permanent public artwork for the Colts Neck Road underpass. The project is part of the Public Art Master Plan for Reston, which identifies underpasses as locations for new artwork commissions that partner artists with local schools and community organizations.

The Colts Neck Road underpass has exterior concrete walls extending up to 19 feet in height and approximately 28 feet in length. The selected artist will develop a design that brings distinction to the concrete walls, engages the community through direct involvement, enhances perception of safety by eliminating graffiti, and addresses the spirit of the Hunters Woods Neighborhood while responding to the cultural diversity of the community. The artwork must be durable, resistant to vandalism, and mounted on removable supports such as steel or metal plates. Suitable media include galvanized steel, ceramic, aluminum, concrete, tile, photo transfer, and recycled materials. The artist must conduct up to six workshops with students and present the design concept to the community, Art Selection Committee, Public Art Reston's Public Art Committees, and the Reston Association Design Review Board.

The project budget is $110,000, which may be developed in two phases: Phase 1 (up to $75,000) covers design, community engagement, workshops, and fabrication/installation of exterior artwork; Phase 2 (up to $35,000) covers interior wall artwork at a later date. The project schedule runs from November 2018 through July-August 2019. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Selection will be based on aesthetic excellence, experience with public art collaboration, outdoor environments, student workshops, construction materials, project management, and demonstrated ability to fabricate work or work with a reputable fabricator.