Artist’s Call for Submission – Joey’s Park

Friends of Joey’s Park
Public Art Project Committee
Belmont, MA

The Friends of Joey’s Park – Public Art Project Committee is seeking an artist to design a work of public art that also serves as park signage.

LOCATION:  Joey’s Park is located on Cross Street in Belmont, MA. The site abuts the Winn Brook Elementary School and community tennis courts and soccer fields.
BACKGROUND: Joey’s Park was built in 1989 in memory of Joey O’Donnell who succumbed to cystic fibrosis in 1986 at the age of 12. The original project was a true community effort made possible by numerous donations, designed in concert with the kids who would play on it and built by the residents in a massive community build effort. Over the years, this playground has maintained its special quality and given more back to the children and parents of this community than could ever be measured. However the play structure has reached the end of its life span and needs to be replaced.

The Winn Brook PTA is a private 501c3 organization, that is spear-heading this process. The new playground structure will be a very natural looking wooden, castle-like structure, similar to the current structure. The new playground is scheduled to be built over the course of six days in October 2013, through a massive community build effort enlisting the help of over 1,000 volunteers and paid for by a fund-raising campaign that includes many donations (large and small) from individuals and businesses within the community as well as a public grant through the Community Preservation Act.

To view the history of Joey’s Park and plans for the park, visit http://www.joeyspark.org

SPECIFICATIONS: Works of art must be fabricated in durable, permanent, outdoor media that is safe for children and easily maintained.  Artwork must be original and relate to the setting of the park. All forms of media that are appropriate and complementary to the park’s natural, abstract, organic feel will be considered.  The art/signage will need to incorporate the name “Joey’s Park”, a list of donors and a brief history of the park (text provided).  Its approximate size will be up to 5 ft. tall X 10 ft. wide and it will be freestanding and organic in shape.  It will be located at the main entry to the park, in the eastern corner.

PROJECT FUNDS: The art project will be funded by the Friends of Joey’s Park. The exact amount of funding is to be determined based on the proposed project.

SUBMISSIONS: This call for artists is an open competition for professional artists. A team of artists is welcome to apply and the submitted images must reflect the collaborative work of the team players.  Artist must submit the following items:

1. A current resume including statements regarding your artwork/art education.
2. A statement of interest in the project is required. (Please express your initial ideas on the work of art you’ll propose for the park.)
3. References from clients on similar projects.
4. A minimum of three (3) previous artwork images are required. (Please note medium, dimensions, location, and price.)

DEADLINE: The application, images and other required materials must be submitted no later than 2 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Friday, June 26, 2013.  Submissions should be sent to Kim Beer, 4 Broad St., Belmont, MA or email to kim_grow@yahoo.com and diane@millerdesignllc.com.

SELECTION PROCESS:
The Friends of Joey’s Park Public Art Project Committee will evaluate responses to this call based on artists’ past experience, including examples of public art completed by the artist, statements articulating initial ideas for public art at the park, and references. The committee will select up to three finalists who will then be invited to present a specific proposal in person.
PROJECT TIMELINE:

Notification of Finalists: by Thursday, August 15, 2013

Interviews with Finalists: Date to be determined

Selection: October 2013

Installation: Date to be determined (post completion of park construction in October 2013)