Hosted by the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center (PAFAC)• Rolling proposal review & notifications; deadline April 20th • $18 entry fee*
This will be a permanent installation in Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park
Installation Time Frame: May 26- June 7, 2025
Artist Stipend: Up to $5,000
The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center seeks proposals for 2-5 outdoor-friendly FUNCTIONAL artwork that will be permanently installed in Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park.
Theme: Everything in our natural landscape serves a function, from leaves that help the tree’s 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 proceeds 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 celebrate art that serves a purpose. With the park’s newly completed ADA-accessible trail, 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 visitors' connection 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: Reflect and complement the natural beauty of the park.
- Durability: Be constructed of materials suited for long-term outdoor exposure.
- Accessibility: Provide 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.
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, bike rack, 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 no longer suitable for Webster’s Woods, the PAFAC will contact the artist to either come repair or take back their work.
- If the Artist is unable to be reached, the PAFAC will do with the artwork as they see fit.
- Artists can request a stipend for their work.
- Additional funding for travel or materials may be available on request.
- 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 by end of day on June 7th, 2025.
- Artists need to design a system to permanently attach their work to a base that the PAFAC will help install.
- The PAFAC will work together with the artist to determine the location for the Functional work.
Exhibit Timeline:
Rolling Review & Acceptance begins once the call is live.
Final Entry Deadline: April 20, 2025
Final Notifications Sent: May 1, 2025
Installation Time Frame: May 26- June 7, 2025 *unless other arrangements are made
Summertide Sculpture Festival: June 14, 2025