Exhibit Overview
In honor of the 2015 centennial celebrations of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Mayslake Peabody Estate announces a call to artists for When Art & Nature Meet, an outdoor installation exhibit that explores the juxtaposition of art and nature.

Mayslake Peabody Estate is a Tudor revival style mansion that serves as an education center for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. We are dedicated to providing a dynamic historic resource that promotes experiences that enrich the lives of our visitors and community. Historic Mayslake Hall is beautifully situated on 87-acres that is an oasis for those who love art, architecture, history, and nature. More information may be found at mayslakepeabody.com.

Selected artists will receive a $250 stipend, exposure on our Facebook page, and a write up in our newsletter.

Applicants are free to visit Mayslake Forest Preserve between one hour after sunrise and one hour after sunset in order to observe the preserve. Staff has already identified several locations where art installations will be allowed. A map of those locations can be requested by emailing [email protected].

In proposals artist may indicate a preference of site or propose a different location, which after submission will be reviewed by FPDDC staff for approval.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will make available an assortment of natural materials gathered from various preserves for the artists to use if they so desire. These materials will range from wood logs, branches, trees slated for removal in place, Gingko seeds, pine cones, Locust seed pods, prairie plant seeds, mulch, and woodchips. Availability of materials is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Submissions
Submissions must follow all guidelines as stated within this prospectus. There is no fee to submit a proposal; however, only one proposal per artist is allowed.

Eligibility and Rules
•All artists ages 18 and above are encouraged to submit proposals.
•It is encouraged that proposed works utilize natural, native materials, but it is not mandatory.
•Organic materials not-native to DuPage County will not be allowed.
•Non-organic materials must be non-toxic to the environment and need to be approved before installation of the work.
Additionally, all work must be suitable for outdoor installation and must:
•Cause no permanent damage to the flora, fauna, or other inhabitants of the preserve.
•Be appropriate for audiences of all ages.
•Be structurally sound and able to be secured within the environment (without concrete pads) or able to sit safely on the ground with no possibility of tipping.
•Be capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions, high winds, extreme summer heat, and heavy rain or be designed to change as a result of these conditions.
•Be substantially maintenance free for the duration of the exhibition.
•Be safe for the general public (no sharp edges, no climbing hazards, no breakable or bendable components, of a height that would not create a balance hazard, etc.).

It is preferred that the artwork be brought to the site completed and ready for installation. Assistance with installation from Forest Preserve District personnel will be available on June 11 and June 12. There may be situations in which the nature of the work requires it be created on site, in which case scheduling will be discussed with the individual artist.

Artists may sell the exhibiting artwork during the exhibition period. However, the artwork may not be removed until the exhibition has concluded on October 25, 2015. Artists who sell work will donate 20% of the sale price to Mayslake Peabody Estate.

Submission Requirements
Proposals can be submitted electronically or by mail. Each artist will receive an email confirmation of receipt of proposal. Each proposal should include the following:
1.A completed application form (please contact [email protected] to request an application form)
2.CV or resume
3.Three images of previous work (if applicant does not have a portfolio website)
4.Three pieces of support material (sketches, images, photos of similar projects, etc. Support material should help jurors envision your project.)

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS TO:
[email protected]
Subject line: When Art & Nature Meet Submission

MAIL SUBMISSIONS TO:
Mayslake Peabody Estate
c/o Kendra Strubhart
1717 W 31st Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Mailed materials will NOT be returned.

The postmark/electronic submission deadline is midnight, March 22, 2015.

Selection Process
10 artists will be selected to participate in the exhibit. Entries will be critiqued based on artistic merit, public safety, variety of entries, and durability in and/or interaction with an outdoor setting.