2012 General Information

Project background –

The Lakefront Sculpture Exhibition is a community public art competition that seeks to further enrich the community by bringing art into Chicago’s neighborhoods while supporting local professional artists.  Approximately 25 professional 3-D artists will be invited to create and install sculptures at identified public sites throughout the area. The eleventh annual program will award a $1,500 honorarium to each selected artist.  Sculptures will remain on display for one year beginning in June of 2012.  During that time, a tour map, poster and advertising will be created, distributed and available to the public.

The Lakefront Sculpture Exhibition is a partnership of former 43^rd Ward Alderman Vi Daley and 44^th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney.  New to LSE this year, are Alderman Joe Moreno and Alderman Michele Smith.  The City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Public Art Program and the Chicago Park District provide invaluable assistance.  Lead sponsors include General Iron, the Chicago Cubs, Saint Joseph Hospital, Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce and the Wrightwood Neighborhood Association.

Criteria –

The work must:

• be made of the highest quality materials that hold up to sometimes harsh weather conditions including heat, snow and wind;
• be of the highest quality construction and appropriate in an urban setting;
• take into consideration safety: lack of sharp edges, movements that takes place within reach of an average person;
• be original works of art created by the artist or fabricated under their direct supervision;
• demonstrate structural soundness, safety and stability for an unsupervised general audience;
• be guaranteed against defects and deterioration;
• fit into a dense, urban setting. Large-scale sculptures are requested.

Eligibility –

The Lakefront Sculpture Exhibition is open to experienced professional sculptors who reside in Illinois.  Artists must be experienced with the design, construction and installation of large-scale outdoor sculpture and must have a documented track-record of this experience.  Consideration will only be given to professional sculptors whose work has been or is currently on display in a public setting.

In recognition of the International Sculpture Conference taking place in Chicago this year, openings have been set aside for sculptors from the Texas Sculptors Group and the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance.  Their works must meet the same standards and be submitted by the same dates.

Installation Sites –

Each piece will be assigned to an installation site by members of the jury based on size, shape and appropriateness.  Sites are scattered throughout Chicago’s near north side and lakefront communities.  The area extends from Irving Park on the north to Ohio on the south, and from California Avenue to Lake Michigan.  Assistance will be provided at the site.  Artists are required to make arrangements to deliver and remove their works on the specified dates.

Jury Process –

All sponsors either serve on the jury or send a representative. Additional jurors are invited from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Chicago Park District. Experts are invited from the Art Institute of Chicago and the American Institute of Architects among others. The jury will meet shortly after all submissions have been received. All artists who have been named to participate will be contacted by phone. All other entries will be returned by mail.

Application Process –

To be considered for 11^th Annual Lakefront Sculpture Exhibit, artists must submit:

• The attached entry form
• A resume
• A one-paragraph biography
• An artists statement
• An SASE (with adequate postage) for the return of entry materials
• A detailed to-scale "maquette" of the piece you intend to create for the project (1 inch = 1 foot). Over-sized and/or heavily weighted maquettes should not be submitted.
• Artists previously selected in the LSE program may substitute a to-scale drawing/digital image of the piece (in lieu of a maquette) intended to be installed. Please note: Jurors tend to regard maquettes more highly than drawings or digital images.
• 3 to 5, high resolution digital images that best represent your work

Entries must be received no later than February 17, 2012. Be sure to make a photocopy of all entry materials for your records in the event that your application is lost in the mail. There is no entry fee.

Send or hand deliver to:

Contact Information

Name
Mailing Address (Street, City, State, Zip)
Shipping Address (If different from mailing address)
Phone (Day & Evening)
Fax
Email Address
How do you prefer to be contacted, by phone, text or email?
Will you be able to install your sculpture yourself, or will you need assistance?
If so, what specific type of assistance?

Image Information (Note: No more than 5 images will be accepted for review.)

Sample Work Image #1 Title Medium Size (HxWxD) Estimated Value Movement/Sounds
Sample Work Image #2 Title Medium Size (HxWxD) Estimated Value Movement/Sounds
Sample Work Image #3 Title Medium Size (HxWxD) Estimated Value Movement/Sounds
Sample Work Image #4 Title Medium Size (HxWxD) Estimated Value Movement/Sounds
Sample Work Image #5 Title Medium Size (HxWxD) Estimated Value Movement/Sounds
About the Entry Title Medium Size (HxWxD) Estimated Value Movement/Sounds