The City of Sisters is conducting a search for an original, large scale, permanent, public artwork situated in the roundabout at the intersection of US20 and Locust Street. This roundabout is located at the East entrance of Sisters and will provide a visual gateway to the City and the surrounding area.

The center of this roundabout is designed to feature interpretive artwork that expresses the theme of the Sisters area Western Heritage and Culture. This theme encompasses the historical, social, and artistic traditions of our region.

The theme for this artwork was chosen with community input and should tell a story about the western heritage and culture of our area.

This installation will serve as a warm and inviting welcome for visitors arriving in Sisters and exploring our region. It will provide a first impression that reflects the community's spirit and hospitality. As a focal point for residents and tourists alike, this installation should celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and foster a sense of connection among all who visit.

Key elements to consider are:

• Sisters is a gateway for adventure and exploration for visitors and residents;
• Reinforce the strength and individuality of the people of this western community;
• Community traditions of storytelling, visual arts, and music;
• Influence of logging, ranching and agriculture;
• The traditions of Indigenous peoples in the region;
• Emphasis on family, self-reliance, and community bonds;
• The role that geography plays in our region.

Background

The City of Sisters is known as the gateway Central Oregon because of its location between the Cascade Mountains and the High Desert. It is perfectly situated in a unique, alpine-to-high-desert environment full of natural beauty, recreational abundance, and four-season access.

Established in the late 1800’s, Sisters has long been a rest stop for travelers. Native American tribes navigated the region, leaving trails across the Cascade Mountains that eventually became wagon roads. For many years, Sisters served as a supply station for sheepherders heading to grazing pastures in the Cascades. By 1930 the Sisters’ economy was driven by the growth of the timber industry.  Ranching also played a significant role, with cattle and sheep herded through the forests, and horse-drawn plows used for farming the local fields.

Currently, Sisters is widely recognized for its arts-centric community that is full of visionary leaders, storytellers, and artisans of all types. The City hosts many annual events including the Sisters Rodeo, Outdoor Quilt Show, and Folk Festival.

Composition 

The design, construction, and materials used in all parts of the sculpture should be exceptionally durable, require minimal maintenance, be resistant to theft, vandalism, and weathering, and not create a potential traffic hazard or obstruct sightlines. It should be free from unsafe conditions or factors that could impact public liability or traffic. The art should adhere to the highest standards of quality, timelessness, permanence, and general appeal, and should have relevance aesthetically to the community in the present and in future years. 

Proposed art must comply with Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) public safety/highway operations requirements. 

• ODOT Highway Directive: www.ci.sisters.or.us/media/21506
• Clear Zone: www.ci.sisters.or.us/media/21501

The artwork will be viewed from vehicles, buses, bicycles, and by pedestrians. Knowing this, the design should not invite or challenge pedestrians to climb on it. 

 Budget 

The total project budget for this commission is $175,000 to include permit fees, stamped engineering drawings, subcontractors, footings/excavation, delivery, insurance, travel, restorative landscaping, installation, and a traffic mitigation plan (signage and flaggers) as per the City and Oregon Department of Transportation  (ODOT) permit requirements. Only Finalists will submit an itemized budget for the proposed project.

Timeline 

• Deadline for applications: January 7, 2025
• Notification of Finalists (Phase 1):  January 2025
• Model design, fabrication time and site visit: February 2025
• Artist presentation of models and narrative (Phase 2): Early March 2025
• Public input (2-3 weeks): Late March 2025
• Council selection: April 2025
• Installation: Fall 2025

 Selection Process 

 Finalists Selected Based on the Following Criteria:

• Artist Statement
• Comparable Project Experience
• Artistic excellence on image samples
• Site-specific concept

The committee will evaluate all submissions based on artistic excellence, innovation, interactivity, originality, and the work’s ability to enhance the natural landscape and enliven this public space. The selection criteria will require artists to demonstrate experience with public art projects, using materials suitable for public outdoor settings, site-specific design, and collaborating with other artists, architects, engineers, and fabricators. The potential to create an impactful design for this public art project will score highly on the evaluation criteria.

Phase 1: A selection committee will choose up to four finalists based on the criteria outlined above. The committee may conduct interviews with potential finalists for further clarification, as necessary.

Phase 2: The finalists will create a physical 3D model based on their site-specific concept. Each finalist will present their model and accompanying narrative to the committee, either in person or via Zoom. A physical model must be delivered to the City of Sisters for final review before the scheduled presentation. A stipend of $1,750 will be provided to  finalists at the time of presentation to assist with developing the model, presenting the project to the committee, and any travel related expenses to Sisters, Oregon. Finalists are strongly encouraged to conduct a site visit.

Finalists are required to include a written narrative with their model, detailing the proposed materials, dimensions, the specific location within the roundabout center island, how the proposal meets the outlined general requirements and specific parameters, and a schedule for the commencement and completion of the artwork's delivery and installation. Additionally, artists should provide a budget not to exceed $175,000 that outlines anticipated fees, foundation engineering, materials, travel, and other costs. Artists will need to be present on-site to oversee the installation of their artwork.

Submissions will also undergo review by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to assess their suitability for use on the state highway system and ensure structural integrity. ODOT reserves the right to reject any submission that does not comply with public safety or highway operations requirements.

Each model will be displayed for public viewing and input. The Sisters City Council will make the final decision on the artist(s) and artwork design concept.

Additional Resources

Reference Photos & Maps:

1. City of Sisters
2. Site Details
3. Aerial Images
4. Roundabout Photos
5. City of Sisters Public Art Photos

Artist(s) Resources:

1. Highway Division Directive Hwy 01
2. US20 at Locust Street Artwork Design Clear Zone
3. City of Sisters Vision:  www.ci.sisters.or.us/community/page/sisters-country-vision
4. City of Sisters Development Code – 2.15.2200 Public Art
5. Oregon’s Sisters Country by Raymond R, Hatton – in print
6. That was Yesterday” by Tillie Wilson and Alice Scott – in print
7. Explore Sisters,   https://exploresisters.com/
8. Sisters Arts Association, www.sistersartsassociation.org/
9. Three Sisters Historical Society, www.threesistershistoricalsociety.org/
10. Oregon Historical Society,   https://www.ohs.org/

Application Requirements

Artist and artist teams interested in this project must prepare and submit the following information by the deadline. Incomplete applications missing any of the following may be excluded from consideration: 

1.      Artist(s) Statement –  Not to exceed 5000 characters in length.

A letter explaining interest in the project and including pertinent information about the artist’s/team’s approach and projects of a similar nature. The statement must include the artist(s) or artists’ team’s contact information (name, address, phone, email, website); description of most relevant comparable project experience from the last 12 years; and a description of your interest in working on this specific project.

2.      Site Specific Concept Proposal - File Upload

Description of how you would approach this project. Include drawings, materials, dimensions, and a draft budget not to exceed $175,000. Additionally, provide a scale diagram demonstrating how the sculpture fits within the designated space, maximizes the use of the entire area,  and incorporates landscape elements that are native to the region. Current photos of the site can be found in the resource section.

3.      Images of Original Representative Work - Not to exceed 6 images. 

With each image, please include title, medium, dimensions, year completed, budget and city/state. Work examples must be from the last 12 years showcasing sculptures/installations in outdoor spaces. Artists are encouraged to submit images of large-scale art that they have fabricated for other projects. (Do not submit images of indoor works of art). 

All materials must be submitted in digital format according to the specifications outlined by CaFÉ. The Committee will not review supplemental information beyond what is requested. Failure to provide any of the published requirements may result in disqualification from the competition.

Eligibility Criteria

All applications must be submitted through the CaFÉ Call for Artists. Preference given to Artists and artist teams residing in the Northwest and Southwest United States, specifically Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women, LGBTQIA+ community members are highly encouraged to apply. Artists living in Oregon are highly encouraged to apply.

A State of Oregon W-9 is required for finalists; please contact accounting@ci.sisters.or.us  for a W-9 form. The Artist(s) selected for this commission will be required to enter into a professional services agreement with the City of Sisters.

The Artist(s) that receives the Commission (if out-of-state and/or using a business name) may need to secure a Registered Agent (an official address in Oregon) and then register with the State of Oregon as a domestic or foreign entity (anyone outside Oregon) and provide a certificate of good standing from the State that you reside in. This is standard practice for most public entities and may be a necessary step and expense as we finalize the Commission Contract. The Artist must also submit proof of $2,000,000 in general liability insurance and other insurances as outlined in the contract.

Artists using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the creation of their proposal must identify the use of AI in the information accompanying each image. The sculpture must be an original creation by the artist(s). 

Committee members, City of Sisters employees and Oregon Department of Transportation staff are not eligible for this project.