2020 Sculpture Trail entries are invited

The City of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission are accepting entries for the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail.

Entry deadline is April 30. Artists will be notified of selection committee results by May 15 and will have until May 27 to install their works. Artists receive a $350 honorarium during installation and $150 during sculpture removal.

The entry form is available by calling City Planner Andrew Mack at 218-732-3163 or by emailing him at a.mack@arvig.net.

An unveiling and guided walk of the new installations are planned May 30.

Sponsors for each new sculpture also are being sought and will be recognized with signage and in a brochure. The number of sculptures selected will be determined by the number of sponsors who commit. Sponsors also may contact Mack at city hall for more information.

The Sculpture Trail project was initiated in 2018 in Red Bridge Park, providing a beautiful setting on the Fish Hook River. Last year, the Sculpture Trail expanded to two locations in Downtown Park Rapids. The Arts and Culture Commission's intent is to change the sculptures annually to expose visitors art both locations to new works.

The project meets three goals and objectives of the city's Arts and Culture Plan:

* promoting the creation and inclusion of art in public spaces, making it accessible to all.

* making the city a regional destination for unique arts and cultural experiences. It can be expected that art in an unexpected location will convey to park visitors and trail users that Park Rapids has much to offer as an arts community.

* adding an element of creative placemaking as an approach to improving quality of life and economic opportunity.