By Billy Thomas
The City of Olympia Percival Plinth Sculpture Project kicked off in early February with a call for up to 16 sculptures to be displayed on outdoor pedestals, or plinths, at Olympia’s Percival Landing.
The temporary art installations will be displayed for up to one year, during which time people may get up close to enjoy and inspect the pieces, or perhaps even take a selfie with their favorite. After the year-long exhibition, the public will vote for a “People’s Choice” sculpture, which will be added to the City’s permanent art collection. Voting takes place during the month of July.
Artists aged 18 or older from Washington and Oregon are encouraged to submit their work online with the City’s “Experience It!” Parks, Arts and Recreation department. Artists may submit up to two sculptures for the project. The City will provide a $700 honorarium for a one-year loan for each sculpture—which should help cover the required business license that selected artists much purchase—and pieces will be available for sale during their exhibition. No commission will be taken by the City from artworks sold.
Selection criteria for submitted pieces comprises of several factors—evidence of artistic ability, originality of design, technical skill, and overall craftsmanship. Material integrity is also critical. “Artists must expect that [their] sculpture may be climbed or marked on during exhibition,” said Angel Nava, arts specialist with the City of Olympia. The City provides a short list of recommended materials to withstand the elements and multitude of close-up admirers, such as bronze, steel, concrete, and others.
Participating artists will be recognized during the exhibition with a plaque near their work. Artists’ contact information will also be available from the City, via their website. Appreciators may contact the artists directly to purchase their work, but all sculptures will remain on public display through the project timeline.
WHAT
City of Olympia Percival Plinth Project
WHEN
Entries accepted now through Feb 10, 2019
Works on display Jun 2019-2020
WHERE
City of Olympia Percival Landing
217 Thurston Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98501
HOW MUCH
Free, artwork for sale.
LEARN MORE
360-753-8384