The City of Santa Clarita (City) is inviting artists to submit artwork for consideration for our upcoming “Nature’s Palette” juried exhibition, which will be on view at the First Floor Gallery located in Santa Clarita City Hall. We are seeking original artwork in any medium that captures the essence of the natural world around us. Artwork should highlight the intricate hues, textures, and forms that define our planets landscapes and ecosystems.

5-day workshop at Willow Pond SLO, California - with instructors Lisa Pressman and Susan Stover.
September 9-13, 2024
$1484 includes lunch daily.

This 5-Day retreat led by 2 inimitable instructors in a gorgeous retreat on the Central Coast in California, will immerse you in an exploration of art as artifact. Art has always been a means by which people leave behind traces of their existence. Whether it's a cave painting from thousands of years ago or a modern masterpiece, art serves as an artifact that represents a specific time, place, and culture. In this workshop, you will do the same by employing visual elements, photographs, or mementos that hold personal meaning or memory for you. There will be daily presentations, demonstrations, dedicated work time, and one one-on-one, guidance. Discussions will include record-keeping, storytelling, and creating a narrative in one's work. This is an exciting opportunity to propel your work into a new direction or to deepen your inquiry into your art practice.

Some of the topics explored in the workshop:
Systems of organization, such as record-keeping, mapping or counting
Surfaces and textures that are worn and suggest a sense of age
Dualities or juxtapositions of ancient vs. contemporary
Conveying history or a sense of time in your work
Pentimento, leaving visible traces of your process
Personal or collective histories
Cultural artifacts - real or imagined

By examining the materials, techniques, and the concept of art as artifact within our artwork, we can gain valuable insights into our artistic development. Analyzing our artwork can also help us identify patterns or changes in our creative journey, allowing us to track our growth and evolution over time. This class is open to artists at any level and the focus is on finding each individual’s unique voice.

Your instructors are Lisa Pressman and Susan Stover. Lisa Pressman is a highly respected art educator with a vigorous teaching program. Susan Stover received an MFA from the California College of Art in Oakland, California, and a BFA from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

For more information don't hesitate to get in touch with [email protected] or go to www.willowpondslo.com

CALL FOR ARTISTS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, August 2, 2024, by 11:59 pm (MST)

Submit online via CaFE at www.callforentry.org

The City of Mountain View’s Visual Arts Committee is inviting artists and artist teams to create the design and commission for public artwork on concrete bollards located at intersections in the Castro Street Pedestrian Mall; each artist or artist team will be responsible for art on a pair (2) of bollards.

APPLICATION

Applications will be accepted from Wednesday, July 10, 2024 to Friday, August 2, 2024 by 11:59 pm (MST). APPLY EARLY. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

All applications should include the following:

Artist Resume.
Signed Application Checklist.
Three (3) to seven (7) Images of current work. All artwork images must be examples demonstrating the artist is capable of creating and commissioning durable artwork adequate for the outdoor elements (i.e., sun, rain) and a public setting. Annotated Image Descriptions required. Please include: art title, date the art was created, dimensions, type of media, and location of the installation (address, city, state). For team applications, please indicate the lead artist for each project
Proposal: The proposal should include the artwork design (in the format of a sketch or written description), location, artwork medium type, and estimated time to commission the artwork.
Artwork Fee: Artists will receive a minimum stipend of $1,500. As part of the proposal, please provide the total budget for the artwork, including design, installation, and materials. Artists must include an anti-graffiti coating.
All applicants should allow adequate time to submit their applications. To get additional assistance using CaFE , please contact WESTAF by calling 303-629-1166 or via email at [email protected].

PUBLIC ART BUDGET

The VAC is seeking six (6) artists or artist teams to design and commission public artwork on concrete bollards within the Castro Street interim pedestrian mall for the Bollard Beautification project.

Each artist or artist team will be responsible for a pair (2) of bollards; there are twelve (12) total bollards.

Selected artists or artist teams would receive a stipend of $1,500 for the design and installation of art on two bollards ($750 per bollard).

The project budget is all-inclusive of project costs, including artist’s fees and expenses, taxes, materials, travel, shipping and crating, site preparation, and fabrication/installation or execution of the artwork. Artists must also incorporate the cost and installation of an anti-graffiti coating to the finished bollards.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Visual Arts Committee anticipates making artists selection at a special meeting in Summer 2024. Artists will be notified soon thereafter and if selected, artist with will work with the City to sign the contract. Installation will occur between Monday, August 26, 2024 and Thursday, August 29, 2024 (between the hours of 8AM and 8PM).

The VAC will review the submitted applications and select the finalists. The VAC will evaluate applications on the following criteria:

Originality of artistic style (past work);
Type of artwork proposed;
Representation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion;
Ability of the artwork to withstand outdoor conditions;
Maintenance requirements;
Consideration to artist’s experience with public art commissions and working within the public process; and
Consideration to artist’s experience with art projects of a similar size and scope.
Proposals will be presented to the VAC for review. The VAC will rank the design proposals and vote on final selections of the public art design and artists at a special meeting in Summer 2024 (date to be announced).

The VAC is willing to work with an artist or artists on the design proposal to ensure suitability and sustainability. The City and VAC reserve the right to reject any or all proposals.

Download the PDF of the Call for Artists from the City of Mountain View website.

Application Requirements
Artist resumé.
Signed Application Checklist (see Request for Qualifications, Attachment 1).
Three (3) to seven (7) images of artworks completed within the past five years. All artwork images must be examples demonstrating the artist is capable of creating and commissioning durable artwork adequate for the outdoor elements (i.e., sun, rain) and a public setting.
Images of current artwork must include annotated descriptions. Please include: art title, date the art was created, dimensions, type of media, and location of the installation (address, city, state). For team applications, please indicate the lead artist for each project.
Proposal: The proposal should include the artwork design (in the format of a sketch or written description), location, artwork medium type, and estimated time to commission the artwork.
Artwork Fee: Artists will receive a minimum stipend of $1,500. As part of the proposal, please provide the total budget for the artwork, including design, installation, and materials. Artists must include an anti-graffiti coating.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Bollard Beautification project aims to offer Mountain View and Santa Clara County residents and beyond with greater access to cultural enrichment and artistic expression. Public art has the unique ability to transcend barriers and foster connections across diverse communities, enriching the fabric of our shared public spaces.

Proposals for the Bollard Beautification project should demonstrate that the work reflects the City’s value to foster a culture of diversity and representation. Whether in the artwork itself or as it relates to the background or experiences of the artist or artist group, proposals should describe in one to three paragraphs how it demonstrates one or more of the following ideas:

Explore Local Identity: Express the complexities of local culture, identity and experiences.
Promote Belonging: Validate and promote experiences of different communities of individuals in Mountain View to foster a sense of belonging.
Challenge Biases: Challenge stereotypes and harmful biases, raise awareness about the struggles of marginalized communities.
Give Positive Representation: Demonstrate how all members of the community are valued.

INTRODUCTION

The Manitou Springs Mineral Springs Foundation is partnering with Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE) to select an artist to design a new font for Iron Spring on Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs. The Mineral Springs Foundation’s mission is to restore, protect and publicize the natural mineral springs and to document their historic origins. CRANE exists to elevate creatives and support artistic and economic vitality in Manitou Springs.

PROCESS

4 finalists will receive $500 each to supply a project proposal, including detailed budget and sketches or maquette. Final project budgets of $20,000 to $100,000 will be considered. Project budget must cover all expenses associated with the design, labor, fabrication, project management, materials, tools, contracted services, operations, and travel required to complete the artwork, plus installation, insurance, and transportation and delivery of the work to the site. Any expense that exceeds the contracted amount will be the artist’s responsibility.

DATES
August 2, 2024: Submission deadline

August 8, 2024: Notification of Finalists

October 1, 2024: Finalist proposals due

December 1, 2024: Finalist announced

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

The Iron Spring Geyser was drilled in 1910 by Joseph G. Heistand. For more on its history, please visit https://mineralspringsfoundation.org/springs/iron-spring-geyser/. Its current font has deteriorated, and the Mineral Springs Foundation would like to install a new one. The vault housing the spring measures 57” in diameter, is 35” tall, and cannot be altered, but can be clad or wrapped. Access to the plumbing within the vault must be retained (see photos linked below). Designs can extend a maximum of 60” above the vault. The catch basin’s drain must remain within the sphere of the vault, and there must be no more than 18” between the faucet and the catch basin — care must be taken to prevent excess water splashing outside of the catch basin. The water is mineral-rich, and therefore consideration must be taken with materials. Possible materials include corten steel, stainless steel, bronze, and stone. A Mineral Springs Foundation representative with intimate knowledge of the plumbing of the spring will be available for consultation and collaboration during the finalists’ design process. Please see photos of the current Iron Spring Font, as well as other spring fonts in Manitou Springs at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EmiqfTi7SkIzg8WIaCl04jjNHFwORC8n?usp=sharing for reference.

For any questions on the site, please contact Audrey Gray at [email protected]

SELECTION PROCESS

Submissions will be reviewed by a jury composed of members of CRANE and the Mineral Springs Foundation. Finalist submissions will be presented to the community for feedback, and reviewed by members of CRANE and the Mineral Springs Foundation.

Jury members will be considering aesthetic merit, engineering, community feedback, and budget when selecting the final design.

Application Requirements
3-8 Images of past works

Resume/CV

Artist Statement

Sample budget (from a previous project)

References of at least three professionals (commissioning agency or organization, design or arts professional, engineer, etc.) who have a detailed knowledge of the artist’s work and working methods. Include contact name, telephone number, and email for each reference.

Letter of interest

WHO WE ARE:

Downtown Grand Junction is a State Certified Creative District and manages Art on the Corner with rotating sculptures displayed in the historic downtown shopping park. The temporary sculptures are displayed throughout the Main Street corridor, amongst many of the AOTC's permanent collection.

View this video about our program and our location.

https://youtu.be/_iDrh9pmWNA

See the current exhibition on our website.

https://gjcreates.org/aotc/

CURATORS:
The 2024 AOTC Exhibit will be co-curated by George Turner & Justin Squier.

George was one of the founding artists for AOTC. He was a career artist who worked in both 3D & 2D forms.

Justin is a mixed media sculptor and native of Grand Junction Colorado. He has shown throughout Colorado including Aspen, Carbondale, and Evergreen.

Having curators from two generations is our way of honoring the 40th anniversary and symbolically passing the torch to the next generation of sculptors.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS:

Artist may apply up to 5 times.
Each application must be submitted with 1 sculpture for consideration, showing a minimum of 3 photographs and a maximum of 5 photographs featuring all sides of the artwork.
Multiple sculptures in one application will be cause for dismissal of that application.
Each application must be submitted via the CaFE website at www.callforentry.org.
Sculpture information which includes: sculpture title, material, size, (height, width, depth), weight, special installation requirements, value of sculpture, selling price, and an artist's statement about the piece
The sculpture must be made of materials that will endure all elements and should be resistant to vandalism.
Site information:

Sculptures will be displayed within Downtown Grand Junction's historic district.
Various locations provide ground mounting, planter pads and steel pedestals.
Deadline and Notification of Selection

The application and images must be submitted electronically by midnight (MST), Sunday, August 4, 2024 to https://www.callforentry.org. Artists will be notified of selection the week of August 19th, 2024.

COMPENSATION:

All artists who are accepted will receive a $1,000 honorarium after installation.
Two nights of lodging will also be provided for incoming artists for Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th, 2024.
An Artist's Welcome Reception will be held at the Springhill Suites hotel the evening of Friday, October 4th, 2024.

AWARDS:

Best in Show Awards will be presented in the afternoon on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Artists will receive award payments 2-3 weeks after installation.
The People's Choice Award will be open for voting the day of installation and will close Saturday, November 9.
The winning People’s Choice Award artist will be notified via email.

ARTWORK SELECTION CRITERIA:

Quality: The consideration of highest priority is the inherent artistic excellence of the art. All art must be an original creation by the artist.
Permanence: Sculpture shall have structural and surface soundness, be resistant to theft, vandalism, and weathering, and require minimal maintenance. (This is an outdoor public art exhibit).
Compatibility: Works of art should be compatible in style, scale, material, form, and content with the Downtown area and Grand Junction, and have a broad range of appeal to the general public.
Public Safety: Works of art shall not create inordinate safety problems or liability problems for the general public, Downtown Grand Junction or the City of Grand Junction.

REQUIREMENTS:

The Artist or representative is required to deliver their artwork and must be present for the installation scheduled on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at 7:00 a.m.
All sculptures must be mounted and ready for display as specified by the mounting requirements (see below).
The artist is responsible for all expenses associated with design, labor, materials, or contracted services required to complete the work, as well as transportation of the piece to the installation site and removal of the sculpture from the Art on the Corner exhibit.
All artwork must be available for sale to the public. The artist agrees that AOTC will handle all sales and that AOTC will retain a 25% commission for any artwork purchases during the exhibit period or as a direct result of this exhibit.
Artists that are accepted as finalists will be required to sign an Exhibit Contract and adhere to the terms therein.
The artwork will be on display for twelve (12) months from the date of installation. Art on the Corner crews will be available on October 4, 2025 to help with the removal of your sculpture.
If the sculpture needs to be removed before or after this date, the artist will need to get approval from the Art on the Corner administrator and be able to remove it independently.
Artist is responsible for all removal expenses including lodging and fuel.

MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS:
Instructions for sculpture mounted/welded to pedestals
(Steel pedestal to be provided by AOTC)

For sculptures less than six feet tall they must have a steel base plate attached with 1/4" steel pins or counter sunk machine screws. Minimum of (3) three per sculpture. Pins must be secured to sculpture with epoxy or automotive body filler.
1/4" mild steel base at least 1/2" larger than the base of the sculpture for welding. Bottom of base plate must be flush to allow the base plate to be tack welded to the pedestal.
(The Artist-not AOTC-is solely responsible for secure attachment of sculpture to base plate throughout the exhibit)

Instructions for free standing sculpture bolted to sidewalk

Free standing sculpture (six feet or taller) mounted to either a pedestal or steel plate, which is provided by the Artist, will be bolted to sidewalk with 3/8" or 1/2" bolts
Center of 5/8" hole must be a minimum of 1-1/2" from edge of pedestal or base plate to allow for access space
Base of sculpture shall have a minimum (3) three 5/8" mounting holes evenly spaced for leveling and mounting to concrete

The City of Santa Clarita (City) is inviting artists to submit artwork for consideration for our upcoming “Autumn Expressions” juried exhibition, which will be on view at the Newhall Community Center. We are seeking original artwork in any medium that captures the essence of the season’s transient beauty. Artwork should explore autumn’s unique influence on landscapes, cultures, and personal reflections.

Boise City Department of Arts & History invites emerging and mid-career artists in any creative field to apply for a 10-day residency at the James Castle House in Boise, Idaho. The historic home site, where American artist James Castle lived and worked for over four decades, stands today as a testament to the artist's unique talent, lifelong practice, and artistic legacy.

This residency invites artists to immerse themselves in the site, explore the house, its history, and the surrounding landscape, and respond to their experience through the creation of new works. Residents will share their creative practice and process with our community through several public in-person and hybrid events throughout their stay, including, but not limited to, workshops, open studios, and presentations. Through this program, the James Castle House keeps the legacy of daily creativity and experimentation alive on-site, cultivating a growing local and national community and providing a deeper understanding of James Castle and the place he called home.

Located in the vibrant and dynamic Collister neighborhood, it has easy access to Boise’s downtown and the nearby foothills, allowing residents to experience the beauty and culture of Idaho’s capital city while ensuring a quiet and private workspace. Each residency cycle provides one participant with private furnished living quarters, 24-hour studio access, and a $500.00 stipend to assist with living expenses and supplies necessary to create work. The resident is responsible for travel and shipping expenses.

The County of Yolo and Yolo County Library, in an effort to further their community vision to create a more visually pleasing environment, is seeking permanent works of public art to be integrated into the Walnut Park Library in Davis, CA.

Since 2001 the County-wide library facility plan has recognized the need for a library South of I-80 in Davis. As an interim solution the South Davis Montgomery Branch has operated out of Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School for 4 hours twice a week since 2010. With the award of a Building Forward Grant from the California State Library in 2022 and a pledge of funds from the City of Davis in 2023 the Walnut Park, stand-alone, library will break ground in 2024.

The 12,000 square-foot building, designed by WMB Architects, will feature a large community room, study rooms, children’s, young adult and adult collections, children’s areas indoor and out, and a teen space. Located in Walnut Park, the library will be adjacent to Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School, Peregrine School and the park’s soccer fields, tennis courts and walking trails along Lillard Drive.

The County of Yolo will break ground in Fall 2024 for the Walnut Park Library in Davis, CA.

Project Criteria:

The artwork(s) shall consider one or more of the following elements:

Draw inspiration and context from the place and people of the South Davis community, including nearby Putah Creek and surrounding agricultural lands.
Be reflective of the library’s role as a connector of people and ideas, hub of community gathering, and education.
Provide imagery that is relatable and recognizable to the general public.
Inspire engagement in reading and storytelling.
Evoke a sense of comfort for and be inviting to multi-generational visitors.
Consider the design, architecture and scale of the site and building.
Yolo County Library

Mission: Yolo County Library provides access for all to ideas that inform, entertain, and inspire. We connect people and ideas.

Vision: The Yolo County Library strives to bring diverse and dynamic programs and services to its many communities and residents through innovation, communication, engagement, collaboration, and diversity, providing opportunities for everyone to read, grow, discover, and interact with one another and the world at large.

Artists can view other works of public art within the City of Davis by visiting the following LINK.

Artwork that is inherently political, religious, or otherwise exclusive of any factor of the social stratum shall be deemed inappropriate for this project.

Proposed Locations (See attached diagram):
Three publicly accessible areas of the facility have been identified by the Art Advisory Committee for public art enhancements within the budget guidelines of this project. These are considered the most suitable for placement of artwork to aesthetically enhance the project for the staff and visitors of the library. (Linked as Site Details)

Exterior wall on the south side of the entry plaza

Maximum size is 8’x 10’
Maximum weight is 1,000 lbs. distributed over four mounting points
Interior foyer ceiling

Maximum size is 35’x10’; Minimum size is 25’x 6’
Maximum weight is 500 lbs. distributed evenly over the length of the artwork.
Interior rotating doors at the entrance to the main collection room

3- 8’ x 8’ panels (one side only)
Schedule:

August 9, 2024: Artist proposals due

August 2024: Art Advisory Committee convenes to review artist proposals and select finalists

September 2024: Finalist materials due and shared with the community

September 2024: Art Advisory Committee review finalist materials and community input

October 2024: Art Advisory Committee recommendation presented to Board of Supervisors

October/November 2024: Artist(s) contract executed

December 2024: Artwork fabrication started

Fall 2024/Spring 2025: Artwork installation Walnut Park Library Branch

Timeline is estimated and may require adjustment based on new construction

Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must submit:

1. Artist Statement: (Maximum 350 words) Include a general introduction to your work. Discuss the concepts and ideas you explore in your artwork and how these ideas and issues are presented. Also, describe any connection you have to the local Davis community. If you are applying as a team, the statement should clearly describe the contribution of each collaborator.

2. Resume: (Maximum 2 pages) Outline your recent experience and accomplishments as an artist. If applying as a team, each member may submit a one-page resume.

3. Samples of your work - a maximum of ten (10) digital image files with corresponding titles to match the Support Description list.

4. Support Description list: (Maximum 2 pages) For each image/file submitted, include relevant project information. For example, list the title, date, size, and medium for studio work. For public art projects include a description, location, budget, and commissioning organization.

5. References: Minimum of three. Include names and contact information (phone, email, address) only.

6. Preliminary Proposal: (Maximum 250 words) Briefly present your preliminary proposed project idea. Describe which location, or a combination of locations your proposed project will focus. The preliminary proposals will give the committee an ability to understand your conceptual thought process and to link your proposal to a specific location. Proposals need not discuss fabrication specifics but should address what types of materials you intend to use in the work and an approximate budget.

Eligibility Criteria
The project is open to experienced professional artists or artist teams in the Western United States. (Western States are defined as: Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada) Special consideration will be given to local artists and the application process will give artists the opportunity to describe their connection to the Davis community. All complete submissions, meeting the basic requirements of the project, will be reviewed by the Art Advisory Committee. Each will be reviewed based on the criteria listed below. A group of 3-5 artists will be selected and paid a $750 stipend to provide site-specific proposals. Site- specific proposals will be made available to the community to provide input. The Arts Advisory Committee will review site specific submissions and input from the community before making a final recommendation for commission(s). The recommendation made by the Art Advisory Committee shall be reviewed and accepted by the County of Yolo Board of Supervisors.

The criteria are as follows:

Outstanding innovation, creativity and originality in the development of public art;
A history of successfully designing and implementing permanent public projects on time and within budget;
Design excellence in past work, including originality of concept, site contact and quality of workmanship and materials, as evidence in images of completed projects;
The ability to respond creatively and uniquely to site-specific design challenges, including the social, physical and environmental condition and challenges inherent to each project;
Expertise in identifying and working with permanent materials appropriate for long-term use in an interior or exterior environment that is subject to varying weather conditions and heavy public access;
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively positively with public agencies, public review processes and community organizations;
Ability to design art that meets the thematic, project description with artistic merit;
Ability to meet this project timeline for creation and installation of work.
All meetings of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors are open to the public. For meeting schedule please visit the county website at www.yolocounty.org

All insurance liabilities including liability and the worker’s compensation must be met by the artist(s). The final contract(s) will be between the County and the artist(s).

The selected artist will be required to comply with American Disabilities Act requirements and related federal, state and local codes. All artwork installations much meet stated security requirements and must meet all safety guidelines as outlined by OSHA, local fire and building codes.

Security and Safety Considerations

Attention will be given to the safety and security of employees and visitors to the Walnut Park Library in the choice of materials and the installation of the artwork.

Artwork must be secured in such a manner that it may not be removed or altered. This stipulation shall include all proposed locations.

For example:

a) All artwork must be securely mounted to the surface in such a manner that it may not be removed, broken, or otherwise altered.

b) Works made of ceramic or glass must be securely mounted to the surface and/or protected by unbreakable cases (vitrines) or coverings.

c) Artwork may not contain any sharp edges or be fabricated from any materials that may be removed with or without force, be broken off or otherwise altered.

d) Consideration must be given to maintenance of installations to assure that vandalism or deterioration is not a concern. Graffiti-proof coatings may be required in some instances.

Maintenance

Consideration must be given to maintenance to assure that vandalism or deterioration is not a concern.

In celebration of San Mateo County Parks’ centennial, the Parks Foundation seeks three professional or emerging artists to each design a poster for three of the 24 amazing San Mateo County Parks. Last year, we commissioned artists to create the first three Park Posters in our series. They have been met with an overwhelming positive response. We want to continue to build upon this success!

The poster design shall capture the essence of the specified county park. Selected artists will receive a $2,500 commission for their work, paid in 2 installments.

We are seeking artists to design posters for 1) San Pedro Valley Park, 2) Sawyer Camp Trail segment of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, and 3) Wunderlich Park. In the future, we expect to commission artists to design posters for additional parks on a rolling basis.

Each park poster will be designed by a different artist. Unifying design details will be incorporated into each design, such as consistent border size and the park’s name and San Mateo County Parks Foundation’s name in a consistent font at the bottom of the design, as shown in the three posters commissioned in 2023 and in the attached "site details."

The goal is to engage the arts community and create lasting designs that capture and celebrate the essence of each park. The chosen artist should be familiar with their assigned park. San Pedro Valley Park boasts a diverse ecosystem laced with trails that offer expansive views of the mountains, valley, ocean and town. Three creeks weave their way through the park and in wet years, one can glimpse Brooks Falls - the only waterfall in the San Mateo County Park system. Sawyer Camp Trail is the most popular segment of the multi-use Crystal Springs Regional Trail. It is a 6-mile paved trail that offers incredible views of Crystal Springs Reservoir. Along the way are plenty of shady spots as well as the Jepson Laurel, the state’s largest and oldest California laurel tree, estimated to be over 600 years old. Wunderlich Park is a popular forested park for hiking and trail use. It is also an equestrian hub for boarding and riding, and is home to the historic Folger Stable and Carriage Room Museum.

Artwork must include recognizable landmarks or park features. Artists should expect to engage with staff to learn more about the goals and criteria for the designs and to learn more about the parks themselves.

About San Mateo County Parks Foundation
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation’s mission is to inspire people to care for, learn about and enjoy our parks. Established in 1998, the Parks Foundation provides additional financial support for the recreational, environmental and educational programs and projects of the San Mateo County Parks Department. This has included events like the Kite Festival, Coyote Nights and Bicycle Sunday; habitat restoration at Edgewood Natural Preserve, youth field trips to the parks, and new park amenities like trails signs, bike fix-it stations and shade shelters. With this new effort, we look forward to engaging the arts community.

The San Mateo County Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to conserving and improving the quality of our county parks for current and future generations to enjoy.

Review Process and Timeline:

Step 1: Application period opens, inviting any artist(s) interested in the project who meet the artists’ evaluation criteria to submit their qualifications and portfolio. Application period will be open between June 17 and August 9, 2024.

→ There will be a zoom check-in on July 9 for potential applicants to learn more and ask questions. If you are interested, please email [email protected] for the meeting link.

Step 2: A jury will review submitted applications and select several artists for informal interviews in September. The jury will consist of 5 members - 1 SMC Parks Foundation board member, 2 SMC Parks staff, and 2 local arts professionals.

Step 3: The jury will deliberate and select one artist each to design posters for San Pedro Valley Park, Sawyer Camp Trail and Wunderlich Park. All entrants will be notified by mid-September.

Step 4: Selected artist(s) will meet with staff to learn more about the goals of the project, the criteria for the posters and address any other questions that arise. The artist will submit a proposal that includes a rendering of the work and a general statement about the theme and design of the work. Artists should expect to engage in some back and forth with staff regarding goals for the project.

The selected artists will each receive a $2,500 commission for their work - $1,000 paid upfront at the start of the project and $1,500 paid upon successful completion of the artwork and production of a high quality digital scan. Final, submitted artwork will become the property of the San Mateo County Parks Foundation. The Foundation reserves the right to use the artwork in future marketing efforts and for possible reproduction in other formats. The Foundation also reserves the right to adjust any deadlines as needed.

Application Requirements
All are welcome to apply, including emerging and professional artists. Submissions must be delivered no later than 10:59 PM PST on Friday, August 9, 2024

The submission must include:

1. An artist statement limited to two pages and with the following:

Your interest in this specific project (or describe your connection to the park)
Professional and artistic qualifications and standards of excellence in creativity and originality of style as demonstrated by past projects, as well as appropriateness of applicant’s style to the project
The aesthetic direction you envision for your poster
What you bring to the project as an artist
Your experience with designing posters and/or with other projects of similar scope and size
Your approach to developing the art project, i.e. will you visit the park?
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Parks Foundation project managers in a design-team context
Any other comments that might help differentiate you as a candidate
2. A resume/CV that includes your name, address, phone number, email, and website URL as applicable.

4. At least three references from past projects (can also include instructor or mentor references) with contact information and connection to artist(s).

Please note: Selected artists will be asked to submit a bio and an inspiration statement for our website.

Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility

Medium: All mediums except photography. Final original artwork will be submitted as well as a high quality digital file for poster production. Artwork must translate well to a poster. Saturated colors are preferred.

Specifications: Final posters will be 11”x17” and vertical. See layout template in "site details.".

Upon review of materials, three artists will be selected, each to design a poster for one of the first three selected parks.

Ineligible Applicants:

Members of our jury and their immediate family
San Mateo County Parks Foundation staff and board members
County of San Mateo elected or appointed officials
San Mateo County Parks staff

4-day workshop with Alyssa Monks
October 11-14, 2024
Applications close on August 11, 2024, or when the maximum number of 12 attendees is reached.
$1,447.00 includes lunch daily
Willow Pond SLO. Central Coast. California.

This workshop is designed to guide the students toward creating a painting from a photo reference, using both indirect and direct traditional painting techniques. It aims to instruct painters on how to use the photograph to create a painting that surpasses the look of the photograph, not simply imitates a photograph. The workshop will explain how to create a useful photo reference, covering topics such as ideal lighting, camera settings, lenses, Photoshop, and printing. We will explore ways of seeing the picture objectively, how to imply detail without overstating, and what level of finish works best for the particular painting or style. The painting will develop through indirect layers of opaque and transparent painting to achieve the delicate nuances of flesh and other surfaces. Methods of Glazing and Scumbling will be discussed. The final result can be a painting that captures the essence of your subject (and your connection with that subject) and contains the intimacy of the human touch that transcends a smooth photo-realistic image.
About Alyssa Monks
Born in 1977 in New Jersey, Alyssa began oil painting as a child. She studied at The New School in New York and earned her B.A. from Boston College in 1999. During this time she studied painting at Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence. She went on to earn her M.F.A. from the New York Academy of Art in 2001. She completed an artist in residency at Fullerton College in 2006 and has lectured and taught at universities and institutions worldwide. She continues to offer workshops and mentorships and lectures regularly. Alyssa has been awarded the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant for Painting three times and serves on the New York Academy of Art’s Board of Trustees. She is represented by Forum Gallery in New York City. Alyssa currently lives and paints in Brooklyn, New York.
To register or find out more go to https://www.willowpondslo.com/artist-workshops-san-luis-obispo