Wyoming State Capitol Seeks Figurative Sculptor

The State of Wyoming is seeking four human figure based, cast bronze or carved stone sculptures, one for each niche in the Capitol Rotunda. Each sculpture should be allegorical and representative of the attributes, values, symbolism, and history of the State.  The State is interested in selecting one artist or a collaborative team of artists to complete all four sculptures.

The commissioned sculptures should be appropriate for the period in which the building was constructed (late 19th century) and should be shaped and sized to integrate with the niches as originally designed. The niches are approximately 4’10” wide by 9’6” high. Sculptures will be visible from all floors of the Capitol Building in the Rotunda.

All work must be durable, structurally sound, and able to be secured in the niche locations.

Budget:  $280,000 (4 sculptures at $70,000 each)

Eligibility:  Professional artists over 18 living in the United States

Deadline:  December 30, 2017

About the Building
The Capitol Building was designed and constructed during a period of Renaissance Revival classical architecture for new capitol buildings throughout the United States. These buildings integrated the plastic arts with building design. Architectural features included planned spaces for sculpture, decorative painting, and murals. Significant sculpture niches were not filled with sculpture as planned at the time of original construction.

The Rotunda will be washed with natural light through skylights and a decorative lay light during daylight hours. Original lighting design and historic fixtures in the Rotunda will illuminate the work during evening and night. The spatial impact of this work in the overall Rotunda space is very important.

Site and building tours may be arranged through the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Contact Sara Needles, Administrator, Cultural Resources Division at 307-777-7498 or sara.needles@wyo.gov.

Specific features of the renovation in the Rotunda include:

• Skylights and Lay Lights:  There were four skylights that historically lit the lay light in the Rotunda. These skylights will be restored to naturally illuminate the lay light.  Historically, there were skylights and lay lights over the monumental staircases on the east and west side of the Rotunda. Restoring these skylights and lay lights will transmit natural light from the third floor down to the first floor.
• Monumental Stair Finishes:  The monumental staircases were historically trimmed in cherry wood, with a runner. These spaces will be returned to their historic finishes.
• Repainting of Rotunda:  The Rotunda will be restored to its 1888 finishes and decorative painting. Significant Trompe L’oeil decoration was executed on plaster walls in this area of the building.

Complete information about the renovation can be found at the Capitol Square Project website: http://www.wyomingcapitolsquare.com/

Selection Criteria

In reviewing submitted RFQ materials, the State will consider the following:

1. The quality of the artist’s portfolio and previous work samples submitted
2. The artist’s demonstrated experience working in the scale, medium, and scope outlined
3. The artist’s cover letter and how well it addresses this particular project
4. The artist’s experience working with the public art process and demonstrated ability to work with the project architect and facility managers

Following review, select artists will be asked to submit a formal design proposal, including a budget, timeline, and references. In-person presentations may take place in Cheyenne. Proposal packets and budgets for finalists must include all fees, material and fabrication costs (including casting), installation, and any other costs from planning through completion. It is the responsibility of the artist to budget accordingly. The artist will be required to coordinate installation with the Program Manager (MOCA), the Construction Manager (JE Dunn) and the State of Wyoming.

Timeline

• RFQ deadline: December 30, 2017
• Finalists selected: January 12, 2018
• Formal proposals and maquettes due: February 26, 2018
• Final selection: March 2, 2018
• Completion of installation: May 1, 2019

How to Submit

Apply ONLY through CallforEntry.org, https://www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=4671