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Calling the Catamount - Sculpting a New Mascot for Western Carolina University
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Contact Email: srincon@wcu.edu

Entry Deadline: 4/1/22
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 4, Maximum:Max. 16
Video | Minimum:Min. 0, Maximum:Max. 1
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 4, Maximum:Max. 16
Call Type: Proposals
Eligibility: National
State: North Carolina
Budget: $175,000


The WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is seeking artist’s qualifications, portfolios, and proposals in order to commission a new sculpture of the Catamount, a fierce and elusive mountain cat adopted by Western Carolina University as its mascot in 1932. This 8 - 10 foot sculpture will replace our current 6’ Catamount at the front and center of WCU’s well manicured campus, greeting visitors and attendees as they arrive on site; cementing the first impression many prospective students have of the school. 

The artist(s) chosen for this commission will receive a 1 year contract to cover the planning, creation, and installation of WCU’s newest public art piece. WCU’s Public Art Committee will work with the artist(s) chosen to ensure a fair and equitable compensation for this commission.  Once completed and installed, the sculpture will become the property of WCU, where it will remain on display on Western’s main campus, under the care of the WCU Fine Art Museum’s permanent public art collection. The Catamount will be monitored for the work’s protection and used for collections education within Bardo Arts Center. In addition, the completed sculpture will be featured across WCU social media, and in university publications and promotions for years to come.

 The Catamount sculpture should be constructed of any long-lasting durable material, such as bronze or stone, though other materials may be considered. Artists are asked to consider the wide variations of weather in our part of North Carolina, as well as the sculptures’ resistance to public physical interactions as many graduating students take photos with, and on top of, the current cat. The landscaping of the entire 59’ circle surrounding the sculpture should be considered when submitting. Our facilities  team will be in consultation from the outset with the artist(s) to create a cohesive landscaping plan determined by the commissioned design.

Application Requirements


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS :

  • Description of Proposed Design, you may submit up to three proposed design descriptions
  • Images of Previous Work Examples that demonstrate skill and expertise in the medium not to exceed 16 images
  • Project Budget inclusive of all costs such as materials, supplies, subcontractors, transportation, lodging, etc.
  • Project Timeline inclusive of proposed start date, site visit date, build, delivery, final installation
  • Project Preservation procedures, including a suggested maintenance schedule and cost estimate of preferred conservation supplies
  • Resume that demonstrates a history of working in the medium
  • References for no less than three individuals

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Proposed Sculptures should be 8 - 10 ft. tall including base
  • 4 - 8 ft. wide including base
  • Constructed of any long-lasting durable material, such as bronze or stone

    Please send any questions or supplemental information to PUBLICART@wcu.edu 

Eligibility Criteria


Project Site: University Main Entry Roundabout

The manicured entrance to the university opens with clear sight to the H.F. Robinson Administrative Building, a stately white building that overlooks the flow of traffic on campus. Surrounded by seasonally blooming flowers and vegetation, the installation site is at the true center of the university's main entrance, a large roundabout.

Our current catamount mascot stands at the center-back of a 59 ft. diameter traffic circle enclosed from the road with a 10’ buffer. The traffic circle, in front of the Administration building is in direct view of the roads flowing in and out of the university. This traffic circle also acts as a large planting space, which changes with the season.


Current Catamount Sculpture and Installation Site:


More information about Western North Carolina and Western Carolina University:


Catamount Description:

According to Merriam - Webster, a Catamount is any medium-sized wild mountain cat such as a puma or lynx. Also called the eastern cougar, the nickname Catamount derives from cats of the catamount (Cat-of-the Mountain) variety, said to roam the southern Appalachian Mountains where Western Carolina University is located. WCU’s interpretation of the Catamount blends all the best aspects of these wild cats together. 

A large, regal and proud cat, similar to the cougar, our Catamount (Paws) enjoys the short bushy tail and shaggy, full beard typical of a lynx or bobcat. Catamounts are determined animals and unpredictable, filled with a fierce spirit, capable of savage attacks and lightning quick moves. These elusive critters, also known as ghost cats, are now considered extinct or mythical. 


Our Mascot, Paws:


About Western Carolina University

The Western Carolina University Campus is set in a small valley in WNC, surrounded by tall mountains, with a rich history of the arts. Located on the ancestral homelands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Western Carolina University is a hub of life in the valley, drawing in students both nationally and internationally with outstanding educational opportunities, gorgeous views, and a host of outdoor activity options. Situated in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, this public university is the fifth oldest institution of the sixteen four-year universities in the UNC system. WCU was founded to educate the people of the western North Carolina mountains and currently provides an education to students from 48 states and 35 countries. Student life on campus features:

  • Membership in the Southern Conference and participation in NCAA Division I athletics.
  • A variety of events featuring students, faculty, and outside performers hosted by The Schools of Music and Fine and Performing Arts
  • The largest college marching band in the Carolinas and Tennessee, The Pride of the Mountains
  • A wide and varied Greek Life
  • A host of student media organizations and productions.
  • An AAM accredited art museum and performance hall


Aside from a robust campus life, Western Carolina University is a beloved staple of Jackson County, North Carolina. An hour west of Asheville, NC, in Western North Carolina, Jackson County - made up of Cashiers, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Sylva, and Dillsboro - is a thriving, creative and joyful mountain community. Adjacent to Qualla Boundary, and located on historic Cherokee land, WCU pays their respect to the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and prioritizes the history of Appalachia and the university in all we do.


Eligibility:

All professional artists, living and working within the United States of America, with a demonstrated record of successful completion of artwork at a similar cost and scale, are eligible to apply.


Timeline:

Selection: by June 1, 2022

Notification: Artist(s) will be notified of their acceptance or rejection for this project by June 7, 2022. Artist(s) in the running for this commission may be contacted for additional information as needed and will be expected to plan and complete at least one site visit as part of their contract agreement.

Project start: June 14, 2022.

Site visit must be completed by: Summer 2022.

Installation must be completed by: June 14, 2023.
 

Budget:

An all-inclusive budget of up to $175,000* is available to cover costs associated with the project, and commensurate with the intended scale, including but not limited to: materials, supplies, subcontractors, transportation, lodging, site visit, build, delivery, final installation, preferred conservation supplies, and more.


With regard to their proposed budgets and timelines, artists should note that this budget will be disbursed in three payments as follows:

  • $50, 000 upon acceptance and signature of contract
  • $75, 000 available upon request of the artist(s), as of September 2022
  • $50, 000 paid after installation of Catamount is complete

    *Budget timeline and dispersal amounts negotiable


Selection Process:

Once the call deadline has passed, proposals will be reviewed by WCU’s Public Art Special Projects Team for adherence to the call’s submission and design guidelines. All requested materials must be present for a proposal to be deemed complete and eligible for consideration by The Western Carolina University Public Art Committee. 


The Public Art Committee and qualified, invited guests will meet to review all eligible proposals on the basis of:

  • Quality, representation, and impact of the proposed work indicated by materials submitted
  • Relevance of the proposed work to the University
  • Technical competence demonstrated by past work
  • Demonstrated skills in planning and budgeting, as evidenced by materials submitted
  • Projected timelines, budgets, and other materials are realistic and meet industry standards
  • A strong vision and understanding of the impact of the proposed work on Western Carolina University’s campus and public image
  • Ability to capture the spirit of the catamount, as evidenced by past work
  • Potential for the work to enrich and diversify WCU’s main campus
  • Creativity, methodology, and site consideration


Up to three artists/artist teams will be selected and invited to interview with the Western Carolina University Public Art Committee. The committee will make their final selections and award the catamount commission contract. Proposing artists should note that the selection committee will continue to work with the contracted artist throughout the year in various capacities, and will have final approval of the Catamount before installation. 

The Western Carolina University Public Art Committee reserves the right to make no selection from submitted applications and to reopen the Call for Entry if no proposal is accepted.
 

Contact Information:

Sara Rincon

Public Art Special Projects Assistant

Bardo Arts Center

srincon@wcu.edu

828.227.2479

 

Greg McPherson

Exhibition Designer and Public Art Project Coordinator

WCU Fine Art Museum - Bardo Arts Center

gmcpherson@wcu.edu

828.227.2551
 

General questions 

publicart@wcu.edu 
 

Additional reviewers include the Western Carolina University Public Art Committee
 

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