Wonder

The City of Blue Springs Public Art Commission is seeking artists for a temporary public art exhibition titled "Wonder." Four artists will be selected to display sculptural works along Moreland School Road in the southwestern corridor of Blue Springs for an 11-month exhibition from April 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026. The artworks will be placed along a walking trail on both sides of the road in a community area with numerous neighborhoods and shaded spaces.

The exhibition theme is "Wonder," interpreted in a positive sense—such as feelings of surprise based on admiration, beauty, remarkable qualities, childhood wonder, or unexpected admired properties. Media can include bronze, stone, wood, metal, ceramic, mosaic, or other materials suitable for exterior display. Kinetic, solar, neon, or interactive art is encouraged. Artworks should be appropriately sized and visible while walking, biking, or driving. Artists are responsible for transportation and installation between March 26-29, 2025, and removal after the exhibition if not purchased. Artworks must be durable and weather-resistant, as the area experiences heavy rains, high heat and humidity, high winds, and seasonal snow or freezing precipitation.

Each selected artist will receive a $2,500 honorarium for the exhibition. The Public Art Commission reserves the right of first refusal for artwork purchases; if purchased, the honorarium will be credited toward the purchase price. Artists may offer works for sale to others if not retained by the Commission. Selected artists will be interviewed and videotaped during installation for promotional purposes. An Artist Selection Panel composed of artists, art administrators, and community residents will review submissions and conduct phone interviews with finalists. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, current resume, 4-6 digital images of their work with titles, dimensions, materials, and sale prices, and optionally one video file. The application deadline is November 14, 2024 at midnight MDT.