Red Soils Campus Central Utility Plant Screen Wall Public Art Commission

Clackamas County and the Clackamas County Arts Alliance seek to commission an artist or artist team to create a permanent public artwork for the County's Red Soils Campus Central Utility Plant (CUP) Screen Wall. The project was identified in the Red Soils Public Art Element adopted by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners in 2008.

Project goals include enlivening and animating the immediate environment around the Central Utility Plant, creating artwork that relates to the Red Soils Plaza area while defining itself as a counterpoint to the Plaza's formal mood, responding to the site's history and natural environment, and representing the County's commitment to sustainability and culture. The Western face of the Screen Wall is 145 feet wide and 14 feet tall (18 feet tall including the masonry block at the bottom). The artwork will be primarily viewed from approximately ¼ mile away, with best vantage points from the upper floors of nearby Public Services and Development Services Buildings. Pedestrians will view the wall while traversing parking areas, and the wall serves as a backdrop to the Oregon City Farmers Market (May-October). Artwork must be compelling from a distance while providing detailed interest for closer viewing.

Design considerations include existing green and blue colored panels in the screen fabric that artists may cover entirely or utilize conceptually. Trees lining the Screen Wall will eventually create obstructed views, so artwork should focus on the top portion. Art opportunities include whimsical or playful pieces, kinetic or wind-activated pieces, bold use of color, elements reflecting sunlight and weather conditions, treatments utilizing existing colored panels, and designs reflecting the County's commitment to sustainability. Applicants must submit 10 images. Entry deadline: April 3, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.