open call for public sculptures

In honor of the life, legacy, and vision of Mark Stebbins, the Family, and Friends of Mark Stebbins seek to commission an artist, or team of artists, to create an original, site-specific sculpture at 145 Maplewood Avenue in Portsmouth, NH. We want this sculpture, and the surrounding area, to be a site where you can spend a quiet moment feeling your spirit lifted by the things that gave Mark such joy in life: water, light, and the natural spectacle of the daily sunset.

Goals, Site, Media & Materials

 The selection panel members have set forth specific goals and parameters for this outdoor sculpture with the hope of creating a unique and inspiring work of art for the employees of the building, the community, and visitors.

 Goals

 The Selection Committee wishes to have the sculpture: May include a water feature; Be able to be lit at night; and Consider the sunset- either through the positioning of the piece relative to the sunset or more literally.

We want the sculpture to be a beacon of welcome and inspiration for those entering the community. A celebration of life, love, and natural beauty. Site Site details can be found here.

Media & Materials

 The selection committee is open to any/all materials that can withstand the outdoors, harsh winter weather, and ocean salt air.

 Maintenance & Durability

 All applicants must consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance. While on private property, the sculpture is outdoors and the public is welcome to visit. The piece may therefore be exposed to physical stresses, as well as be subject to vandalism. Sculptures should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials.

 All finalists are expected to stay on budget and to complete work in an approved time frame.

 Who May Apply

 This project is open to artists that reside in the Northeast (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, and NJ) with the demonstrated skill and experience to fully execute the vision and project. The selection panel is especially interested in artists who can demonstrate a deep understanding of Mark’s legacy and vision, as well as for a neighborhood that is newly developing within a historic city.