Ridgefield, WA Overpass Artwork

The City of Ridgefield seeks a qualified public artist or artist team to create and install site-specific artwork on screens located on two overpass bridges. The first project location is a freeway overpass at the Ridgefield exit off the interstate, which leads into the commercial area hosting shops, eateries, a grocery store, medical clinic, parks, and future sites for a college campus and YMCA. The second location is an overpass completed in 2021 that takes drivers over railroad tracks to the waterfront area, featuring two traffic lanes and a pedestrian walkway.

The City aims to accomplish six primary goals: showcase the city's unique character on the freeway entrance, enhance the downtown area as the gateway to the Lake River waterfront, showcase birds and wildlife on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, create site-specific and original artwork, be inviting and aesthetically appealing, and be viewable as a drive-by experience. Selected artists must design unique three-dimensional artwork that connects the two distinct areas, work within physical constraints including structural considerations and environmental restrictions, collaborate with agency staff, and complete the project within a $75,000 budget. The artwork must withstand Washington's weather, require little or no maintenance, and not invite vandalism. Lighting as part of the artwork should be avoided due to adverse impacts on drivers.

Applications must include a letter of intent describing the artist's interest, design approach, materials, understanding of the physical setting, and relevant experience; up to six images of past works with title, description, commissioning organization, location, completion dates, materials, dimensions, and project budget information; three digital images of proposed artwork showing three views; and a resume outlining the artist's experience and response to qualification criteria. This Request for Qualifications is open to professional artists or teams nationwide with experience in design, fabrication, and installation of public art. Northwest artists are encouraged to apply. Artists should have experience producing permanent, exterior public artworks similar in scale and complexity to this project.