Call for Common Snapping Turtle Sculpture at Phinizy Nature Park

The Greater Augusta Arts Council, on behalf of the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, is requesting proposals from qualified sculptors or artist teams to create a unique, durable, low-maintenance, safe-to-touch sculpture titled "Snappy." The sculpture will depict a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and will be installed along the Beaver Trail within the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park. Artists are invited to create an original sculpture that celebrates one of Georgia's most iconic freshwater reptiles while inspiring curiosity about the wetlands, wildlife, and waterways of the Savannah River Basin.

The work should serve as both a destination and educational landmark, encouraging visitors to engage with the surrounding natural environment. While the sculpture should be recognizable as a Common Snapping Turtle, artists are encouraged to interpret the subject creatively and develop a work that complements the park's mission of environmental education and conservation. The GIS coordinates for the sculpture site are 33°23'25.0"N, 81°58'03.6"W. This commission will become the sixth permanent sculptural installation at the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, further expanding the park's growing sculpture trail.

The selected proposal should depict a Common Snapping Turtle, be approximately 8 to 10 feet long and 6 to 8 ft wide, suitable for permanent outdoor installation, constructed of durable materials such as steel, stainless steel, bronze, stone, concrete, or other weather-resistant materials, structurally sound and designed for minimal maintenance, safe for pedestrian interaction without creating climbing hazards or injury risks, able to withstand Augusta's climate, including heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, occasional flooding, and severe weather, designed with an anticipated lifespan of at least 20 years, and appropriate for visitors of all ages and abilities.

All proposals will be reviewed by representatives of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the Public Art Advisory Panel, the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, and Georgia Rehabilitation Institute. The highest-scoring proposal will be offered the commission. Should the selected artist decline or contract negotiations prove unsuccessful, the commission may be offered to another finalist. Jury runs September 28, 2026 to October 16, 2026, with notification to the selected artist on October 19, 2026.