Edgar S. McFadden (1891–1956) was a remarkable scientist who made breakthroughs in wheat genetics in South Dakota and Texas. He was born to Mr. and Mrs. James E. McFadden in a shanty during a blizzard in the Coteau Hills near Webster, South Dakota on February 3, 1891. His cradle was a grain bin filled with seed wheat; a fitting bed for an individual who would later feed the world with his insight and tenacity as a radical wheat breeder and contributor to the Green Revolution that fed the world during a time of crisis. His life story is a saga of mankind’s battle for food.

More about McFadden can be explored at: https://www.sdstate.edu/mcfadden-lecture/about-edgar-s-mcfadden

https://explore.digitalsd.org/digital/collection/mcfadden/search.

You can also listen to Edgar S. McFadden: A life of contribution to wheat improvement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVu-D8d7bSw

Application Requirements

Artists desiring to participate in this competition shall submit a letter of interest, resume, samples of past work with descriptions, and references as described below.

• Provide a typed letter of interest (50%), not to exceed three pages, which shall include:
• Reason(s) for your interest in the project, including connection (if any) or particular interest in Edgar S. McFadden, agriculture, and South Dakota State University.
• Document your artistic excellence and originality, as well as specialized expertise, capabilities, and technical competence in designing public artwork.
• Information, excerpts, and examples from previous projects which illustrate your capabilities for designing and executing similar or related work.
• A description of your design methods, your ability to meet established design schedules, and your experience managing special project constraints in previous work.
• Demonstrate your availability to participate in the design and implementation of the artwork as required.

Provide a resume (not to exceed three pages) that includes examples of your broader background and experience. (20%)

Provide 10-15 digital high-resolution images of previous work supporting your ability to carry out this project (20%) and a typed, annotated image list (.PDF) in desired priority of viewing that corresponds with the names of the digital files and includes annotation for each example. The annotation must include a brief description of the work, medium, year the work was completed, location and project details, and contact information for the agent commissioning the work.

Provide a list of three references with whom you have worked on a public art project, including current telephone numbers and email addresses for references (10%).

Eligibility Criteria

• The artist will work in collaboration with the jury which guides the McFadden artwork acquisition and SDSU Facilities & Services to produce the final design.
• Artwork shall not contain logos or advertising.
• The artwork shall be durable, sturdy, stable, suitable for climate conditions, resistant to UV damage, and safe for public interaction and have a life expectancy of at least 50 years.
• Prior to installation the design must have final SDSU Facilities & Services approval.
• Final installation shall be coordinated with SDSU Facilities & Services and the General Contractor.