Call to artists: Ridgecrest Neighborhood beautification project

Metal Vault Lid and Concrete Apron

Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association (RNA) is seeking a local artist to contribute to a whimsical beautification project, in the heart of the Ridgecrest business district.

The project area is located at 5th Ave NE and NE 165th. The southwest corner of the intersection had all vegetation removed for the installation of a new fire hydrant and a ground level vault that contains a pumping switch station that increases the water pressure in more than ½ of the Ridgecrest Neighborhood.

After much planning and public input, a plan has taken shape that will include new plantings, river rock accents, bird houses, and signage (page 3 Proposed Site Plan). Located in the center of this installation, our plan is to camouflage the ground-level utility vault by painting it to resemble a small pond.

As part of a Mini-Grant awarded the RNA by the City of Shoreline, we will offer a $200 stipend to the artist and will supply all materials to complete the installation.

In order to comply with the terms of the grant, we will have this project completed by the end of 2013. The “canvas” for the art project is the metal vault lid and concrete apron (pictured on page 2), which measures: 95” by 77”. Upon completion of the over-all improvement project, the vault will be surrounded by river rock and low-growing landscape plants and grasses.

Our vision of the pond painting is open to interpretation; design styles could be based in fanciful, whimsical, quirky, or realistic and should include fish or frogs or other pond life.

Project Goals:

• Generate pride of place
• Create art that will encourage reflection and conversation while celebrating the neighborhood
• Integrate visual interest into the existing hardscape to enliven the space
• Create art that will be intriguing for pedestrian traffic

Timeline:

• October 6: Submission deadline 5:00pm via email or contact Patty at 206-365-8596 to arrange for submission of hard-copy designs.
• October 8:  Submission review by Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association Board of Directors
• October 10: Artist official notification
• October 10-12 (approximate):  Work with artist for procurement of materials
• October 12-November 30:  Art installation and completion

Request for Proposals:

(Please send images in jpg. format and text documents in Word or make arrangements to submit hard copies)

1.  Statement of interest; one page maximum, describing your art and what inspires you about this particular opportunity.

2.  Image(s) of proposed artwork.

3.  Contact information, and if available: resume and references.

4.  Optional:  Images of past work

Submission deadline 10/6/2013 by 5:00pm. .RNA Board will review submissions at the monthly board meeting on October 8 at 7pm.