PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Arts and Cultural Heritage Division (ACHD) of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation invites individual artists and artist teams to submit applications for exterior sculptural artwork to be installed on a temporary basis at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, Maryland. ACHD is seeking existing sculptural works that fit the criteria described in this solicitation, rather than design and fabrication of new work.

The Montpelier Arts Center shares grounds with the Montpelier House Museum (Montpelier Mansion), a local historical landmark and venue for public and private events. The Arts Center houses galleries, artist studios and classrooms, as well as administrative offices. Both facilities are operated by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation. The Arts Center hosts gallery exhibitions and related events, classes for adults and children, as well as musical performances and other community events. As such, it is used daily for daytime and evening activities.

The selected artwork will be placed on a concrete pad sited on a lawn area at the center of the circular driveway directly in front of the entry to the Arts Center and grounds leading to the Montpelier House Museum. Dimensions of the concrete pad measure is approximately 14 feet in diameter and 6 inches in height. Based on engineering specifications, the pad can support a variety of types and weights of sculpture.

Public Art Goals

This public art project seeks to enhance the outdoor environment of the Montpelier Arts Center and Mansion by:

• Making a significant statement that relates to the sense of place associated with the site.
• Having a strong daytime and nighttime presence.
• Setting a standard of excellence for future public art projects planned for Prince George’s County.
• Capturing Prince George’s County’s historic and modern significance to the Greater Washington, D.C. region.