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 home to the Artisan Learning Center, and the Pentwater Arts Council which is a 501(c)(3) and the sponsor of this event.

The sculpture walks from 2022 and 2023 resulted in two sculpture purchases each year. Four works now have permanent homes in the downtown area and the PAC is looking for entries this year that reflect themes such as Pentwater history, water, nature, flora and fauna, the seasons and even the produce grown in Oceana county (asparagus, blueberries, cherries, apples, etc).

 Photos of each new location are 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.  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 celebration is planned for late May 2025 to present awards and give the artists the opportunity to meet the community. The Best of Show award (monetary) will be announced at this event. All works will be for sale with a possible Purchase Award.

Timeline:

• Application deadline: March 15, 2024
• Selection process: March 16 - 20, 2024
• Community voting: March 23 & 24, 2024
• Artist notification: March 25, 2024
• Installation: May 15 - 24, 2024
• Exhibition dates: June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025

Selection Process:

Entries will be selected by a combined effort of the Sculpture Committee and the community of Pentwater. Artwork will be selected based on artistic merit, suitability to the space, durability, ability to meaningfully address and engage the audience as well as reflective of Pentwater themes.

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 2024 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 June 2024 through the end of May 2025.
• submission of a letter of interest, artist resume, professional references and examples of past work with images and description.
• image of selected work in appropriate file size and format for publication

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 $3,000 payable after successful installation
• award money for "Best of Show"
• commercial liability insurance

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.