Project Overview
The City of Prior Lake Arts and Culture Committee invites experienced public artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of a permanent outdoor sculpture honoring Cora McQuestion, Prior Lake's first woman mayor. The artwork will be located in downtown Prior Lake and should interpret McQuestion's story and legacy while creating a meaningful connection to the city's history, identity, and civic spirit.
Elected in 1926, McQuestion was the first woman to serve as mayor of Prior Lake and only the second woman elected mayor in Minnesota. Known for her independence, public service, and dedication to Prior Lake, she remains an important figure in the city's history. Her name lives on through the Spirit of Prior Lake Award, which recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that make a meaningful difference in the community. Artists are encouraged to draw from the broader themes of McQuestion's life and leadership, including courage, generosity, resilience, and civic responsibility. The artwork should create an inspiring and meaningful connection between her story and Prior Lake today.
Project Expectations
The selected artist will:
- Research Cora McQuestion and relevant local history in collaboration with City staff and local historical resources.
- Develop a site-specific artwork concept informed by community engagement while maintaining the artist's creative vision. The artist will define the engagement process, which may include design input, concept review, participatory art-making, community-contributed elements, or other creative approaches.
- Complete all design, engineering, fabrication, transportation, site coordination, and installation required for the artwork.
- Provide information about materials, maintenance needs, and recommended care.
- Participate in reasonable promotional and project-documentation activities.
Artwork Requirements
The artwork must:
- Be an original work created for this commission.
- Respond thoughtfully to the downtown site and surrounding pedestrian and vehicular activity.
- Consider accessibility, public safety, visibility, and the experience of a broad public audience.
- Use durable, exterior-grade materials appropriate for Minnesota weather.
- Have an anticipated lifespan of at least 10 years and require minimal ongoing maintenance.
Project Budget
The total not-to-exceed budget for the selected artwork is $20,000. This all-inclusive budget must cover all artist fees and project expenses, including historical research, community engagement, design development and revisions, fabrication, engineering, a pedestal, plinth, or other structural support if applicable, foundations and footings, site preparation and restoration, permits, insurance, meetings, site visits, transportation, installation, documentation, and any other expenses necessary to complete the artwork. The City will provide information about the selected site and any City-provided site work, if applicable, to finalists before design proposals are developed.