Walk of Art 2023

Art Rapids is seeking artist applications for original sculptures suited to an outdoor park setting. The sculptures will be exhibited at the Elk Rapids Day Park, owned by Antrim County and located in Elk Rapids, Michigan. Sculptures created with commercial molds, patterns, kits, copies, etc. are ineligible. Selected works will demonstrate the intimate connections between art, place, and the natural environment. Submit your application and agreement by March 1, 2023, along with 3 to 10 representative digital images, sketches, or a scale maquette of your proposed sculpture. Digital images must be in jpeg format and submitted on a CD or by email. Sculptures are selected by three qualified jurors, led by artist Kim Bazemore, WOA coordinator, along with two guest jurors. Decision letters will be mailed or emailed to all applicants.

The sculpture will be on loan from the artist to Art Rapids and the Park, with the artist retaining ownership. The sculpture will be on display for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years at the sole discretion of Art Rapids. Installation occurs annually between May 1st and May 20th, and the artist is responsible for installation in cooperation with Art Rapids personnel. Upon successful installation, Art Rapids will pay the artist a $600 stipend. The sculpture must be installed in a workmanlike manner with sufficient anchoring to prevent removal, tipping, breaking, or overturning, and must not create any known risk to the public. The sculpture will remain outside and uncovered throughout the loan period and must be sufficiently durable to withstand Northern Michigan weather conditions.

Artists are responsible for maintaining their sculpture and addressing any degradation from weather exposure, vandalism, or theft. Neither Art Rapids nor Antrim County will insure the sculpture. The artist may perform maintenance at any reasonable time, and if Art Rapids requests repairs, the artist must complete them within thirty days or Art Rapids may implement repairs at the artist's expense. The artist grants Art Rapids and Antrim County the right to use images of the accepted sculpture in brochures and advertising for the Park without compensation. The entry fee is $25.00. International artists are eligible.