Project Overview

The Dalles Art Center (TDAC) is seeking an artist to create a design for a sculpture in The Dalles, Oregon. TDAC has organized its second public art project for The City of The Dalles through TDAC’s Art and Design Committee. Following the success of the first public art project --  All Together The Dalles (alltogetherthedalles.com) -- the Art and Design Committee is expanding upon the success of community engagement with art. This second public art project is a collaboration with The Peoples’ Forge Project and a selected artist to produce a sculpture for a pocket park under development on the corner of Second Street and Washington Street in downtown The Dalles. The project culminates in a two day event where the community forges elements of the sculpture with The People’s Forge Project during the 2022 Cherry Festival. 

TDAC is committed to diversity and inclusion for jurors and applicants. 

The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM (PST) 

Project Goals and Objectives 

  
The intent of the project is to create a focal piece for a pocket park under development by the Arts and Design Committee and City of The Dalles’ Beautification Committee. Both committees were initiated by Rich Mays, Mayor of The Dalles. This site is centrally located between The Granada Theater, The Dalles Art Center and The Civic Auditorium, three art institutions in The Dalles. The aim is to build a recognizable visual and physical presence in this section of downtown. 

Description of Project Site:

The location of the sculpture will be a 43’ x 34’ section at the Southwest corner of Second Street and Washington Street. The property owners have generously donated this section of the lot in support of Mayor Mays’ initiative to foster art in public spaces. As an initial step in the development of this pocket park, the selected design will consider the site, community and intent of the architect’s renderings. The diagram and photographs will help inform candidates of the current site and the prospective future project. 

Collaborative Process with People's Forge Project:

Collaboration is at the heart of the mission of The Peoples’ Forge. Beginning with the relationship between the artist/designer and our skilled metal artist. The original image is translated by us into a graphic form which is then broken into two categories, the structural/skeletal form of the work, which is fabricated by Peoples’ Forge and the component parts that flesh out the skeletal form and that allow  public participation. These components are the pieces that the volunteer contributors  fabricate under the guidance of our skilled crew, onsite during the event, as their contribution to the work of public art. This process requires a willingness to adapt, as well as astute  communication between the artist/designer and Peoples’ Forge as we bring your image to life.

Timeline 

November 15, 2021 - Applications due at 11:59 PM (PST) 

November 20, 2021 - 5 selected finalists notified and $250 stipend for design provided. 

December 4, 2021 - 3 finalist interviewed with Peoples’ Forge Project representatives

December 7, 2021 - Selected artist notified and provided with additional $250 stipend

January 1-February 1, 2022 - Selected artist works with PFP on Final Design.

February 1, 2021 - Final design completed and final distribution of funds to selected artist. 

April 22-24, 2022 - Public event during the annual Cherry Festival Celebration

Application Requirements

How to Apply: 

All application materials must be submitted through an online form through www.callforentry.org.

The application will include following information:  

Resume: 

Upload a PDF of no more than two pages that outlines your creative projects and artwork.  

Statement of interest: 

In 2,500 characters or less, provide a statement that explains why this project is of interest to you and why you’d be a good fit for it. If you have experience in collaborating with one or more artists on projects, please provide information for the project and collaborators in your statement. 

Images of Past Work: 

Provide no more than eight images of previous work. For each example, please provide title, year completed, dimensions, and media. 

Selection Process:

A diverse panel of leaders in the Columbia Gorge arts community, the Executive Director of The Dalles Art Center and the The Dalles Mayor  will review submission materials and select up to three finalists to interview for the commission and submit a design with a $250 stipend to support the artist. Peoples’ Forge Project representatives will meet with the three finalists in person or via Zoom for an interview, concept review and explanation of the fabrication process. The selected artist will receive a total award of $1000 to complete the design and collaborate with People’s Forge Project. Funds will be distributed on a clearly defined schedule. 

Evaluation Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:  

• Ability to successfully collaborate with other artists
• Quality of past work as demonstrated in submitted images
• Ability and/or interest in creating site-specific public artwork
• Describe interest in and/or experience with community participation projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must live or have lived in The Columbia River Gorge between Cascade Locks and Rufus within 50 miles of the Columbia River on either the Oregon or Washington side of the river. Preference will be give to applicants currently living in the Gorge.