Hosted by the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center (PAFAC)•  

Rolling proposal review & notifications 

ENTRY Deadline March 13th 

This will be a permanent installation in Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park

Installation Time Frame: May 25- June 7, 2026

Artist Stipend: $500-$5,000

The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center seeks proposals for outdoor-friendly FUNCTIONAL artwork that will be permanently installed in Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park. 

 Overview: Everything in our natural landscape serves a function, from leaves that help the trees breathe to roots that draw water from the soil, the natural world is defined by functionality. Even to humans, nature offers practical benefits- a sturdy stump becomes a seat, a canopy of leaves provides shade for a perfect picnic. Inspired by this symbiotic relationship, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center invites artists to create outdoor friendly, functional sculptures that will become a permanent part of Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park. 

This year’s Summertide sculpture installations once again celebrate art that serves a purpose. With the park’s newly completed ABA-accessible trail and park improvements, there are abundant opportunities to create works that enhance visitors’ experiences while harmonizing with the natural surroundings. Artists are encouraged to imagine sculptures that offer utility, inspire interaction, and deepen visitor connections to the environment. Examples might include an artistic bench designed for birdwatching, a whimsical table evoking a tree snag for family picnics, or a creative gathering space where community and nature meet.

Submissions should have:

• Function: Offer a practical use while maintaining artistic integrity.
• Integration: Reflects and complements the natural beauty of the park.
• Durability: Be constructed of materials suited for long-term outdoor exposure.
• Accessibility: Provides an inclusive experience for a diverse range of visitors.

Inspiration for Artists:

• A sculptural bench that doubles as a storytelling nook.
• A musical installation activated by wind or visitors’ touch.
• A shaded pavilion or seating area inspired by natural forms.
• A unique picnic table that encourages gathering and connection.
• An artistic pedestal to reimagine our poetry in the park signs
• Art Install that serves as a privacy screen or fence to provide better coverage between the park and houses. 
• A kinetic sculpture that allows for visitor interaction 

By blending art and utility, this exhibit seeks to redefine how visitors experience Webster’s Woods—as a space where creativity and nature converge to serve and inspire.

Existing pieces as well as proposals for new works will be considered. The selected works will be permanently installed among more than 100 existing sculptures throughout the park’s 5 acres of forested parkland and open meadow. Applicants are encouraged to visit Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park to experience firsthand the park’s rugged terrain, second-growth Olympic forest, and striking views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Eligibility:

Open to all artists and artist teams residing within the United States. Artist teams please designate one primary contact person for your group. We welcome entries from youth and emerging artists. 

 Artwork must be:

• Functional (ie. bench, table, play structure etc.)
• The artist or artist team’s own original work
• Suitable for viewers and users of all ages
• Able to withstand adverse weather conditions throughout the year
• Soundly constructed and firmly anchored to prevent theft and ensure public safety
• PAFAC will work with Artist to make sure the artwork is anchored into the ground upon installation. 
• Leave a minimal footprint in the woods 
• Be constructed from materials that will not degrade or harm the surrounding plant or animal life.
• Materials strongly suggested: metal, rock, treated wood. 

Terms & Conditions:

• Selected functional sculptures will be permanently displayed in Webster’s Wood.
• Upon installation, the PAFAC is the owner of the artwork. 
• If the artwork becomes damaged or is no longer suitable for Webster’s Woods, PAFAC will contact the artist for repair or potential return of the work. If the Artist is unable to be reached, PAFAC will do with the artwork as they see fit. 
• Artists can request a stipend to cover the cost of materials, labor, or travel as needed.  
• Any images submitted or photographs taken of the artwork may be used by PAFAC for promotion and to encourage public engagement with the sculpture park
• Artwork that differs substantially from submitted image(s) or project proposals may not be installed.

Installation:

• Artists are solely responsible for transportation and installation of their work, to be ready for display  no later than June 7th, 2026.
• Artists need to design a system to safely and permanently attach their work in the forest. PAFAC can help install as needed. 
• PAFAC will work together with the artist to determine the best location for the Functional work.

Exhibit Timeline:

Rolling Review & Acceptance begins once the call is live.

Final Entry Deadline: March  13th, 2026

Final Notifications Sent: April 1, 2026

Installation Time Frame: May 25- June 7, 2026 *unless other arrangements are made

Summertide Sculpture Festival: June 13, 2026