Scovill Sculpture Park

The Decatur Parks Foundation is accepting submissions for an outdoor sculpture exhibition at Scovill Sculpture Park for 2022-2024. This is a juried exhibition offering local, regional, national and international sculptors opportunities to showcase and sell their work while enhancing Decatur's cultural environment. The park aims to install 10 sculptures in June 2022 in highly visible locations between Scovill Zoo and the Children's Museum of Illinois, which together attract approximately 165,000 annual visitors.

All sculptures must be for sale and made of materials that can withstand harsh Midwest weather without requiring maintenance beyond occasional water washing. Artists retain ownership and loan their work to the exhibit for two years with a possible one-year extension. The honorarium for accepted works is up to $3,000, paid upon delivery and again at pickup. Sculpture pads are approximately 5 feet x 5 feet, with a few larger sites available. Artists must be available to deliver and install their piece in June 2022 and pick it up in Spring/Summer 2024.

Submissions must include a color image or rendering at scale, artist qualifications and experience, and a detailed description of the proposed sculpture including materials, weight, colors and other relevant details (1000 words maximum). Submissions are evaluated on artistic merit, public safety, appropriateness, durability, and creativity. The jury gives priority to newer sculptures. Entry fee is $20. Scovill Sculpture Park receives a 20% commission on any sculpture sold during the exhibition. The organization provides round-trip mileage reimbursement (up to $250), one night hotel accommodation at delivery, boom truck and labor for installation if needed. Artists must provide transportation, oversee installation, and supply all fasteners and hardware. All artists must be over 18 years of age.