White River State Park now accepting entries for sculpture exhibition 

INDIANAPOLIS: White River State Park has announced its eighth “Sculpture in the Park” exhibition, an opportunity for artists in the Midwest to showcase their talents and contribute to the cultural landscape of downtown Indianapolis.

Sculpture artists are invited to submit their entries for the 2009-2011 Exhibition.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue this unique exhibition, despite the economic challenges facing arts communities around the country,” said Bob Whitt, executive director of White River State Park.

“This program gives artists across the Midwest an opportunity to share their talents with the Indianapolis community, including the more than three million people who visit the Park each year.”

At least six large-scale, exterior sculptures will be chosen to be exhibited on the Old Washington Street Bridge, which is a pedestrian walkway connecting Park attractions on the east and west sides of the White River. Artists whose pieces are selected will receive a $5,000 honorarium for participation, and up to $1,000 in expenses for transporting the sculpture to and from Indianapolis.

For the second time, the Park is expanding the opportunity beyond Indiana and accepting entries from artists throughout the Midwest. 

 Requirements for submissions include the following:
_Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.
_Submissions must be postmarked by Dec. 1, 2008.
_Entries must include 10-20 electronic images of the sculpture (or a detailed sketch or drawing if the sculpture is a work in progress).
_Each artist must include a resume and an image annotation script to describe the sculpture, as well as an explanation of the vision and thoughts used in creating the piece (which will be used in a brochure published by the Park).
_White River State Park carries property/physical limited insurance on the sculptures only, but artists are responsible for insuring their sculptures for any damage that may be incurred due to weather or other acts of nature.
_Sculptures must be made of material that can withstand outdoor climate conditions. They must be suitable for public display and present no safety hazards.

Sculptures will be selected by a panel of individuals recognized in the contemporary and public arts communities, as well as representatives from the White River State Park Commission and staff. Sculptures will be selected by the end of 2008, will be installed by April 17, 2009, and will be on display through March 2011.

For more information, please contact Jayne Ann Hill at (317) 233-2431 or [email protected].

Editor’s Note: White River State Park is the center of Indianapolis culture, offering a unique experience with a variety of educational and recreational attractions. The Park is home to several venues, providing entertainment for a wide range of audiences, including the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial. To learn more about the Park and its many happenings, visit www.inwhiteriver.org.