Call Detail
2023 Uptown Trees
http://www.greeleyart.com

Entry Deadline: 12/5/22
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 6
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 6
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: National
State: Colorado
Jury Dates: 12/6/22 - 12/21/22
Budget: $12,000

 Background

The City of Greeley is committed to linking the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) campus to downtown Greeley with a trail of artwork for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to enjoy. This part of the Downtown/UNC Art Walk corridor is in collaboration with the LINC Library Innovation Center and the Downtown Development Authority. The Uptown Tree program allows the versatility needed to help create the art corridor.

The first “planting” of trees along the corridor in 2014 included ten trees that added interest, form, color and fun. We now have a total of 30 sculptures and are calling for up to three more sculptural art trees to continue this project. Artists are invited to apply their creative energies.  

 Scope of Work and Budget

Up to three (3) additional art trees will be added in June of 2023. The intent of the program is to purchase tree sculptures that are visually diverse. Maximum creativity in design and selection of materials is encouraged. To view existing trees visit greeleyart.com and click on the Art Map. All forms of media that are appropriate and complementary to the project, theme and site, that can withstand Colorado’s weather extremes, require little or no maintenance and do not appear to invite vandalism will be considered. The three current locations each have different requirements; if a specific location is desired, please specify this in your letter of intent.

 

Location #1 - Library Innovation Center (LINC) https://www.mylibrary.us/linc/ . The outside of the building that will be the backdrop for this art tree will display a large diagram of Greeley’s watershed. The building is currently under construction with an opening planned for May 2023. The art tree to be installed here will need a water and/or innovation theme. It will be placed in a grassy area that is separated from the street by a sidewalk. Elements of the tree may extend over the grassy area and the sidewalk but must not be lower than 10 feet from the ground level.

 

Location #2 – a newly constructed building at 8th Ave & 11th St has recently been completed. This art tree location is very near the curb/street and no part of the tree may extend past the planter on the street side. Elements that hang over the sidewalk must be at least 10 feet above ground level.

 

Locations #3 – the old Firestone building is currently being refurbished and its new function will include a bank and other retail space. This art tree location is very near the curb/street and no part of the tree may extend past the planter on the street side. Elements that hang over the sidewalk must be at least 10 feet above ground level.

 

 

There is not a common theme and each tree will be completely unique. Art tree designs may range from literal to surreal, interactive, musical and to just plain fun. There may be abstract sculptures that don’t appear to have anything arboreal about them. Any form balanced in a tree-like pose that is sculpted around a ’trunk’ and ‘rooted’ in a large planter box will meet the ‘tree’ definition of this program.

 

A budget of up to $12,000 will be available for each sculpture and shall be used by the artist to cover all applicable expenses, including but not limited to design fees, execution, transportation and assistance with the installation of the artwork selected. Designs proposed to exceed the budget will not be considered. The concrete foundation and concrete planter will be provided by the City and the aforementioned collaborators.

 Proposal Timeline

December 5, 2022 - Proposals due by 11:59pm

December 21, 2022 – Up to six semi-final artists will be selected and notified to begin detailed design phase that includes a 3-D model built on a 1’ to 1” scale.

January 12, 2023 – selected artists’ 3-D models and detailed design due in Public Art office by 4pm; artist will receive a $300 dollar stipend to build and send the 3-D model that will then become the property of the City. Stipends will be sent via USPS within 30 days after the model has been accepted and reviewed.

January 18, 2023 – Up to three Final artists are notified and contractual process begins.

February 2023 – May 2023 – Artists fabricate off site. Monthly project updates with images will be required to show fabrication progress.

June 1, 2022 – tentative scheduled date for sculpture installations; exact date TBA.  

 Selection Process

The selection committee may consist of of the Greeley Art Commission and representatives from the following: City Council, Public Works Dept., Downtown Development Authority, LINC Innovation Library reps, and local businesses.

Up to 6 finalists will be selected during the review process to submit a final design and a 3-D model built to a 1ft:1in scale; designs will be assessed on aesthetic merit, originality and creativity or innovation, appropriateness to the uses of the 8th Avenue corridor as well as structural and material soundness, vandal resistance, pedestrian and traffic safety. The Greeley Art Commission will make the selection of up to three final artists.  

Application Requirements

Proposal Requirements

Proposals from artists must include the following information:

  1. Resume - submit one copy (if applicable include education, past exhibits, designs and installations, and at least one reference from a previous project client.)
  2. Three digital images of past works/projects.
  3. Three digital images of a proposed sculpture by one of the following:

a.     Drawings showing three views of the sculpture or

b.     Photos showing three views of artwork if it is pre-existing.

  1. A written Letter of Intent that includes the following information:

a.     Description of the expected design approach and type of materials that would be used in the artist’s anticipated work product if selected.

b.     An understanding of the physical setting and context of Greeley and the 8th Ave. corridor.

c.     Any experience with similar project design, construction and installation. 

Incomplete or late entries will not be considered.

Sculptural Art Tree Guidelines

 

Artist Shall:

  • Obtain and maintain for the full period of the contract Commercial General Liability Insurance including bodily injury, property damage, personal injury contractual liability and products completed operations coverage with limits not less than the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act limits. The policy shall name the City of Greeley as the sole beneficiary.
  • Create artwork that is original or in limited edition pieces.
  • Create an Art Tree that is fully self-contained, there will not be electrical power available at any of the ‘planting’ sites. Lighting for sculptures is not acceptable in any form for this project.
  • Design an art tree that follows the City of Greeley sign code; art trees that could be interpreted as a form of advertising or signage for businesses nearby will not be accepted.
  • Design artwork around a steel or aluminum pole (trunk) provided by the artist. The pole must have a 6 inch outside diameter unless otherwise approved and cannot be over 20 feet high.
  • Fabricate and securely attach artwork to the center pole/trunk. Pole may be painted, sculpted or otherwise modified provided that structural integrity is maintained and is resistant to rust, or fabricate and securely attach artwork to a sleeve that slips over and securely attaches to the center pole.
  • Weld a ½-inch thick metal plate to the bottom of the 6” outside diameter pole to be bolted onto 24” diameter concrete base (base provided by the City).
  • The size of the metal plate must accommodate a 14 or 16” OC diameter bolt pattern –details provided at a later date. No part of the metal base shall extend beyond the area of the 24” round concrete base. Drill 1.25” holes into the metal plate to accommodate 1” bolts. No template will be provided by City for exact dimensions and bolt hole placement but the OC diameter for each specific concrete base will be provided in the contract.
  • Coat all areas of metal plate and bottom 2 feet of center pole with a rubber coating to create a watertight seal and reduce metal corrosion due to moist soil in the planter.  This is commonly used as a truck bed liner.
  • Weld a permanent cap with a 3-4 inch pad eye to the top end of the pole for installation purposes. Cap and pad eye must be left on and may be integrated as part of the design.
  • Be liable for any harm to persons or damage to surrounding structures due to structural instability of any facet of the sculpture including but not limited to loose pieces falling or breaking due to weather changes.
  • Consider safety requirements common to publicly accessible artworks by creating artwork that is substantially fabricated and sufficiently safe to withstand effects of Colorado extreme weather changes including high and low temperature changes, wind, rain and snow, etc.
  • Provide wet stamped engineer plans. Wind load will be a major concern; artist shall insure that no part of the sculpture shall exceed the maximum moment capacity of the base, which is 24 ft. kip. Sculpture must withstand 120 mph winds.
  • Create artwork with all elements of the sculpture no higher than 20 feet.
  • Allow clearance to walk under the lowest part of artwork; no part of the tree can be lower than 10 feet from ground level where the artwork protrudes over the 40” square planter. 
  • No part of the artwork shall protrude over the street.  
  • Provide project update reports the first of each month with images to show progress during the construction phase.

§  Any major changes to the proposal after the contract is fully executed must be re-submitted with a written description describing the requested changes and submit a new 3-D model.  Minor changes may be requested via email.

§  Be responsible for the delivery of the sculpture to the assigned installation site.

§  Remain on site to direct the installation when needed.

o   City will have a professional team with a crane at the site on the prescheduled day to have the artwork lifted from the artists trailer or truck used to transport it. The professional team will place/secure the sculpture on the concrete foundation with input from the artist. If artist is not available on the scheduled installation day, artist will be responsible for all costs incurred to install the project as contracted.

 

 

City Staff will:

  • Provide a 24” diameter round concrete signpost base at ground level with (4) – 1” diameter A449 anchor bolts on either a 14” or a 16” diameter on center (OC) bolt pattern as recommended and installed under direction of the City Engineer for the installation of artwork. Artwork will be installed with leveling nuts between the ground level and the sculpture base; artwork will not sit at actual ground level.

§  Provide a 40in x 40in x 30in H cement planter at the base of each Art Tree to be filled with dirt and seasonal plantings following the installation and acceptance of the sculpture.

  • Provide one common installation date with a crane and traffic control, tentatively scheduled for June 1, 2023. If artist cannot be present and ready to install on the scheduled date, they will be responsible for scheduling and covering costs for a crane to assist with their installation.  
  • Review sculpture progress reports, respond to change requests and review final form. Sculptures not built to required specifications and/or according to the contracted design may be rejected at any time.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all artists and artist groups.