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Art Encounters is a year-long outdoor sculpture exhibit that showcases a number of sculptures, in various media and styles, displayed in highly visible areas in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, the Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough. The program is designed to promote public interest in art, develop community pride and draw visitors to the retail or civic areas where they are displayed.
Artists have the opportunity to spread their name and work throughout Douglas County and beyond.
Artists who submit more than one application have the opportunity for more than one piece to be selected. This could result in one piece in one jurisdiction and one piece in another for greater publicity.
Selected artists receive a $1,500 stipend, payable after completion of the installation process.
Artists have the chance for their artwork to be purchased.
Twenty-four sculptures have been purchased since the program was initiated in 2007.
Application Requirements
Artists may submit up to five existing, fully completed works. Regardless of the number of works submitted, only one application is needed.
All sculptures submitted will be reviewed, but this is an outdoor sculpture program and so preference is given to larger sculptures (over 36 inches in height).
Artists must include one to three images from different perspectives for each work submitted. For example, if submitting five works, then no more than 15 total images should be included with the application. Image sizes should have a minimum resolution of 300 PPI (Pixels Per Inch). The base should be visible in at least one of the images for each work submitted.
All entries must include a description of the installation process, specific to each work submitted. If an artist fails to specify the equipment necessary for installation in their application, it will be at the expense of the artist to provide for such equipment to ensure proper installation. Pedestals, ground mounts, and ready-mix will be supplied for each selected entry based on the requirements submitted in their entry.
The Public Art Advisory Committee reserves the right to reject any applications that do not meet eligibility requirements and/or are incomplete.
Once an application is submitted, it is the artist’s responsibility to contact Kim Smith immediately at 303-660-7347 or at ksmith@douglas.co.us if their work is no longer available.
Eligibility Criteria
Art Encounters is open to artists and/or artist teams over 18 years of age.
All work submitted must be complete, already in existence and available, if selected.
Work must be available for the program year with a date selected by the Jurisdiction for both install and removal of the work, but the expected timeframe of install is no later than May 23, 2026 and uninstall no later than May 31, 2027, unless alternate dates have been agreed upon by both Parties. Sculptures must remain installed for at least one year, but the Jurisdiction may work with the artist to retain the sculpture for an additional year, if agreed upon by both Parties.
Please review the contract with the Jurisdiction in which the work is installed as each Jurisdiction has its own policies regarding work that is not removed by the removal date.
All work must be the result of an independent and/or team effort that is original in concept and not the product of instructional guidance.
Any work that is a replica must include the edition and/or conventional description, as well as the serial number for that entry.
Any work submitted that is a replica or duplicate must include the other locations where this piece is available. Duplicate works within a 60-mile radius of Douglas County will not be accepted.
Work that is accepted into the Art Encounters program that has a duplicate piece may not be submitted to another program within a 60-mile radius of Douglas County within the same program year.
Any variety of materials may be incorporated, but the work in its entirety must require minimal to no maintenance.
Work submitted must be able to withstand the intense sun, snow, wind, temperature extremes and weather fluctuations common in Colorado.
All works must be safe for public interaction of all ages as this is an outdoor public art program.
Submitted work may be selected for exhibition in any of the participating jurisdictions: Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, and Roxborough.
Legal Agreement
IF SELECTED
If selected, the work that is submitted on the application must be the same as the work that is delivered for installation. This includes size, color, edition, and material. The Jurisdiction retains the right to reject works differing materially from the work depicted in the application and image(s) submitted.
The artist is responsible for transporting their work for installation and removal, coordinating with the Jurisdiction for delivery and removal, and for all costs incurred. The artist will deliver the selected work(s) to the site designated by the Jurisdiction on the date and time as agreed to by the artist and Jurisdiction. The artist will remove the work at the end of the program at a date and time agreed to by both Parties.
If an artist’s work is selected for the Art Encounters program and it is no longer available, the Jurisdiction that selected the work may, in its sole discretion, choose to negotiate with the artist to have an alternative work on display. The Jurisdiction may also choose, in its sole discretion, to select another applicant’s work.
Artists must inform Jurisdictions on how to maintain the work, including cleaning products and methods. Each Jurisdiction is responsible for maintaining the work(s) throughout the exhibition and performing regular evaluations and maintenance of the installed work(s).
All work must be available for purchase at the price indicated in the application and remain on display for the duration of the exhibition.
COMPENSATION
All artists whose works are selected will receive a stipend of $1,500, payable after installation of the work is completed.
At the end of the program year, each Jurisdiction in which a work is installed has the first right to purchase the work for permanent display if they so choose. It is up to the individual Jurisdiction and artist to coordinate payment. If this Jurisdiction declines to purchase the work, then any of the other participating Jurisdictions are eligible to purchase the work, if they so choose. If none of the Jurisdictions choose to purchase the work, individuals or businesses are then eligible to purchase the work.
Artist information will be provided to individuals or businesses wanting to purchase a work subject to the Jurisdictions’ right of first refusal, however, the work must remain on display throughout the program year.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
This program is promoted throughout Douglas County and surrounding areas.
The Jurisdiction reserves the right to reproduce and distribute artwork images through print and electronic media for promotion of the exhibit. This includes use of the images submitted through the application process, as well as photos taken of the piece throughout the exhibition program year.
A plaque will be installed along with each work that includes the title of the piece, the artist’s name, and the sale price. This information will also be included on Art Encounters bookmarks, which will be distributed throughout the county.
The copyright for the work is retained by the artist.
INSURANCE AND INSTALLATION
Works are covered by insurance immediately after delivery through the duration of the exhibition until such time each piece is uninstalled, paid for by the Jurisdiction, based on the amount specified in the Artist’s contract with the Jurisdiction.
The artist is responsible for delivery of the piece(s) to the Jurisdiction location and providing written installation instructions. The artist is also responsible for picking up the piece(s) at the end of the program year and any costs incurred for shipping, etc., if applicable, unless a different option was agreed upon by the Jurisdiction.
The Jurisdiction is responsible for the installation costs at the location site.
Artists must work closely with the Jurisdiction until installation of the piece(s) is complete, cleaning and maintenance instructions have been received, and again during the uninstallation if applicable.
