Pentwater is a lakeside community in West Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan, north of Muskegon and south of Ludington. Well known by Great Lakes sailors, Pentwater is a vibrant tourist destination with an abundance of outdoor activities such as boating, camping, and beach going. It is home to Charles Mears State Park. Pentwater has several art galleries, is an active arts community, and is h home to the Artisan Learning Center, and the Pentwater Arts Council which is a 501(c)(3) and  co-sponsor of this event.

The Village of Pentwater supports a diverse and growing arts presence. For the  first of this three year project, the Downton Development Authority (DDA) and the Pentwater Arts Council (PAC)  teamed up to hold its first Sculpture Walk 2022. Five locations along the main street were identified to display the works of five different artists. For 2023 there will be six locations. Photos of each new location will soon be available at pentwaterartscouncil.org. Each sculpture will have an identification plaque including a map along with social media information that will lead to press releases, information about the artist and the sculpture as well as the voting process for the People's Choice Award.  Educational activities along with docent led tours are planned. The Village holds festival and events throughout the season that will give further exposure to the exhibition. An artist reception and celebration is planned for October 14, 2023 to give the artists the opportunity to meet the community and talk about their work. The Juror’s Award and a People’s Choice Award (both monetary) will be announced at this event. All works will be for sale with a possible Purchase Award.

Timeline:

Application deadline: March 31, 2023              Artist notification: April 15, 2023                             Installation window: May 15 - May 24, 2023             Exhibition timeline: May 25, 2023 - October 14, 2023                                                                         Artist Reception and Celebration Event: October 14, 2023

Selection Process:

Entries will be juried by a committee of 3 professional artist/educators. Artwork will be selected based on artistic merit, suitability to the space, durability, and ability to meaningfully address and engage the audience.

Application Requirements

Artists may submit up to three (3) separate entries for consideration. Each entry requires its own application.

Artwork must be of professional quality, may use any variety of materials but must not require maintenance throughout the duration of the exhibit. Artwork must be safe and of professional design and construction. It must  be able to be securely bolted to or embedded in a concrete pad or sit safely on the ground. Artwork should be sturdy, durable and suitable for long-term outdoor exhibition. 

For each entry, a minimum of three (3) images from different perspectives and a maximum of (10) should be submitted. The base should be visible in at least one image. Images should accurately depict the artwork. Image size should follow requirements identified on the CAFÉ application. If your entry is kinetic in nature, one video may be submitted as well. Each image must be labeled with an image number, artist name and entry title (example: Artist name-entry title-01).

Within the application, applicants must include a written description of the entry including title, medium, dimensions, weight, date of construction, sale price and installation method.

Installation method:  Please provide a detailed description of how the artwork will be installed by the artist. The description must also provide an itemized list of any on-site support needed during installation (i.e., additional people to assist with lifting and placing artwork, special tools, equipment)  Listing these items does not guarantee that they will be available to you during installation but it assists the selection committee in understanding the installation process and we will make every effort to be sure the installation goes smoothly.

Site Location: www.pentwaterartscouncil.org

Artists may soon  visit the Pentwater Arts Council website and under Pentwater Sculpture Walk 2023 will be able to view images of the selected locations.

The artist will be responsible for 

• transportation and installation of the artwork chosen
• insurance of the artwork
• removal of the sculpture at the end of the exhibit if it is not purchased
• understanding that the selected piece will be on display May 25- October 14, 2023
• submission of a letter of interest, artist resume, professional references and examples of past work with images and description
• attendance at the October 14, 2023 Artist's reception and celebration event.

The PAC  and the Sculpture Walk committee will be responsible for:

• assistance with installation of the artwork
• identifying plaque with pertinent information
• a stipend of $1500 payable after successful installation
• award money for "People's Choice" and "Juror's Top Choice" awards
• Hosting of artists is available for those who need a place to stay

Eligibility Criteria

Professional and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and all artwork must be original and executed by the applicant. Artwork must be completed by the time of installation.