Parker Town Hall: Exterior Entrance Sculpture

The Town of Parker Colorado requests qualifications from artists or artist teams interested in creating a larger-scale site-specific public sculpture for the exterior area in front of the newly completed Parker Town Hall. The site chosen for the new sculpture is in a planted area near the entrance of the new building, and is surrounded by plants, trees, and mulch. The public is not meant to be able to touch or climb on the artwork.

This new sculpture should be at least 12 feet in height so that it will be scaled properly to the building and become an iconic marker at the entrance. The artwork area has access to electricity, so it is expected that the artist can also provide simple lighting for the sculpture for evening and nighttime enjoyment. There are no restrictions regarding specific themes or materials for this project.

The Town seeks artwork that makes a connection to the site and complements the new Town Hall architecture but provides a contrast to the angular and solid construction of the building. The community is looking for a sculpture that is unique to Parker, which is rooted in its rural western history and heritage, but very proud of its bright future. The project team has indicated a desire for sculpture that provides some contrast and color (curves, delicacy, lightness, airiness, softness, colorful) from the new Town Hall building.

Sculptures created may have kinetic components. The sculpture is in a public right of way; subject matter should be appropriate for all ages and for a site outside a civic building. The project selection panel has indicated that the sculpture should incorporate lighting where feasible and appropriate. The Art Selection Committee has indicated that they will not consider figural bronze works, animals, or historic figures, for this commission.

However, contemporary, less-literal interpretations of natural and historic subject matter are encouraged. Artists will be integrating their sculpture into the existing landscape design, so artists with experience working on projects of similar scale and integration will receive preference for this project. All applicants are expected to consider the issues of long-term preservation and maintenance of public art, along with the timeline and budget.

The selected artwork will be in a central location at a civic facility and will be exposed to extreme weather, temperature fluctuation, UV damage and subject to vandalism. Artwork should be fabricated of highly durable, low maintenance materials. All artwork and foundations installed for this project will require a structural engineering stamp approved by an engineer licensed in the state of Colorado.

The Art Selection Committee will only review completed submittals. A short list of semifinalists may be invited to prepare and present a design proposal. A finalist may be selected from the semifinalists’ proposals and recommended to the Public Art Commission for approval. Upon the Public Art Commission’s approval, the finalist’s proposal may be presented to the Town Council for final approval. Public input may be solicited during the process as well.

Design proposals shall include images and descriptions of proposed art project, timeline for installation/completion, and proposed budget. A site orientation can be arranged if semi-finalists desire.