Staff report

SALISBURY — The Salisbury Public Art Committee has issued a call for entries for the 2018 Salisbury Sculpture Show and its inaugural Arts & Agriculture program, an extension of the sculpture show.

Artists are invited to submit their outdoor pieces for consideration by Dec. 20.

Selected artists will receive a $1,250 stipend for each piece chosen in both sculpture shows. In the Salisbury Sculpture Show, at least three best-in-show cash awards are given each year and a 25 percent commission on work sold during the show builds funds for future public art in Salisbury.

All sculptures will be selected by a jury of professionals. Work from individuals or teams will be considered; student work is encouraged.

The sculpture show is a nine-month art expo for which sculptures are placed throughout Salisbury, including in the downtown area and at the city’s three colleges. Last year, 18 entries were judged and four sculptures were chosen as winners.

In the 2018 show, pieces chosen for display will be sited to enhance their visibility and ease of access. Artists may submit as many as three entries. High-resolution images with a completed entry form and as many as three photos per entry are encouraged.

Selected artists will transport and install pieces with on-site assistance as needed. The city will provide concrete pads and installation support. Sculptors are responsible for anchoring systems. The art will be insured by the city.

This year in addition to general entries, artists are invited to submit sculptures to be considered for the Arts and Agricultural extension show at three agricultural sites throughout Rowan County – Patterson Farms, Morgan Ridge Vineyards and a county park.

Artists may submit as many as three sculptures, existing or proposed, for these locations.

For the extension show, artists must address the safety and stability of their work in their applications as well as the exact method of installing and securing the work. A thorough explanation of final dimensions, weight and material is required for proposed works.

All materials must be suitable for the outdoors. The work should embody or enhance the theme of arts and agriculture in the region.

Artists should submit a PDF document that includes at least two high-resolution images of each submitted work. They should also include accurate weight, height, length, depth, and details about how the piece will be secured.

Arts and Agriculture artists will transport and install pieces with assistance as needed. Concrete pads and installation support will be provided. Sculptors are responsible for anchoring systems. Work will be insured during the show by the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority.

Entering its 10th year, the Salisbury Sculpture Show has featured artists from 10 states and has earned regional and national recognition. Last year, the show won the 2016 Centralina Council of Governments Quality of Life Award and the 2016 U.S. Council of Mayors City Livability Award.