Call for artists / graphic designers for Interurban Trail Mile Markers

Interurban Trail.  Photo courtesy City of Shoreline.

The City of Shoreline in conjunction with CleanScapes (local garbage/recycling hauler) is seeking an artist from the greater Puget Sound area to create mile markers that will enhance the Interurban Trail experience.

Shoreline’s 3 ¼ mile stretch of the trail was completed in 2008 and is used by walkers, strollers and bicyclists between N 145th Street at Linden Ave N and 205th Street by Meridian Ave N.

It is the desire of the City that unique mile markers be created to mark one quarter, half, three quarters and one mile distances. The art markers may be contemporary or traditional and are expected to add visual interest, especially to pedestrians, and excitement as well as a sense of place in history.

They will be installed in the landscape adjacent to and flush with the trail and will be fabricated in a durable, weatherproof material.

Project Goals:

• Create art that will serve as focal points and visibly announce mileage milestones for users
• Create art that will encourage reflection of and conversation about art and place.
• Integrate visual interest into the landscape through art.
• Reflect the use, topography and/or history of the trail.

Budget:

$2,000 total for four distinct, yet interrelated, designs. This amount will cover fabrication ready designs only. Fabrication and installation of the markers will be provided by funding from CleanScapes in collaboration with the City of Shoreline.

Interurban Trail Bridge over Aurora Avenue at N 160th Street
Vicki Scuri, design team artist
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Background:

Located amid the natural beauty of Western Washington 15 miles north of downtown Seattle, the City of Shoreline combines urban opportunities with suburban convenience and comfort. Shoreline boasts a rich history, abundant and spectacular parks, strong neighborhoods, a highly-respected school district and vibrant business community. With nearly 53,000 residents, Shoreline is Washington's 15th largest city.

Interurban Trail.
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The Interurban Trail began as the Interurban Trolley in 1912 connecting Tacoma to the City of Everett along the path that is now Aurora Avenue. Use of rail was discontinued in the north King County area in 1939. When the City of Shoreline upgraded its first mile of Aurora, the Trail was re-constructed in conjunction with that re-development project.

A needed feature was a bridge over Aurora Avenue to provide a safe means for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the thoroughfare. Completed in 2007, the two bridges designed by local public artist, Vicki Scuri, are blue glass and lit beacons, and are icons for the City. There are also bronze medallions at many intersections along the trail honoring the trolley and Interurban history.

Local residents will be the most frequent users of the trail, but as the neighboring cities complete their sections it will become a more heavily used route by those from the larger region as well. As multi-modal transportation and wellness come to the forefront, mile markers on the trail will encourage users to set goals and monitor their progress, and perhaps generate smiles as they pass by.

Artists are encouraged to walk or bike the Shoreline portion of the Interurban Trail prior to submitting materials. See the City’s website for more Interurban Trail/Aurora Avenue development information.

RFQ documents are available on the City website.

Timeline: 

• December 5              RFQ documents submitted to City of Shoreline
• December 8-15         Artist selection process including interviews
• Dec. 15 – Jan.27       Develop concept proposals for review by Art Panel/Park Board
• February 23               Final approval
• March 2012               Fabrication
• Early April 2012       Installation

Intersection medallion
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Request for Qualifications: CD with images in .jpg format; text documents in Word. Send: 

1. Statement of interest: one page maximum, describing your art and process for new work, plus what inspires you about this particular opportunity.

2. Ten images of past work including at least five that are similar in nature to work that would be appropriate to this site

3. Annotated list of images indicating artist’s name, title, size, materials, date completed, cost and location. List must match image order on the CD.

4. Artist’s resume

If you would like your materials returned you must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with adequate postage, to Ros Bird, Public Art Coordinator, City of Shoreline, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

Art Jury will include representatives from:

• Shoreline CleanScapes Friday collection area residents
• City of Shoreline Parks Board Art Committee
• Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council
• Artists
• City and CleanScapes staff