DBDA seeks applications for downtown
gateway project
By Frank Ruggiero
It could be called a “Request for Art,” but
the Downtown Boone Development Association will stick with “Request
for Qualifications.”
Specifically, the DBDA is looking for artists to help complete
its Downtown Boone Heritage Gateway project, the final product
of which will be located at the corner of West King Street and
Poplar Grove Connector.
The area will feature three metalwork benches from Blue Mountain
Metalwork, along with landscaping reminiscent of the region, to
serve as a gateway to Boone for pedestrians and motorists, alike.
The DBDA leased the land from Watauga County for $1.
Mary Baker, DBDA assistant director, said the RFQ is for artists
to “embellish the benches.”
“We’re going to ask the artists to do embellishments
on the benches and incorporate elements of downtown Boone’s
culture and why we’re such a landmark town in the southern
region,” Baker said.
According to the request, “Emphasis should be given to vertically
displayed artwork that will be easily visible to automobile and
pedestrian traffic.”
The project’s vision statement says the artwork should represent
several cultural facets, with emphasis placed on area pioneers,
the historical significance of agriculture, the natural environment
and its cultural impact, and the region’s long-standing arts
and crafts traditions.
An honorarium for the artists, in the amount of $1,200 each, will
be awarded for each bench, and any artist who is a resident of
the southern Appalachian Region and North Carolina is welcome
to apply, the request reads.
“The intent for the benches and the artists’ work is
to incorporate community heritage and culture,” Baker said.
“Of course, they’ll need to be functional to withstand
Boone’s weather conditions.”
The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 10, and finalists
will be chosen March 19. Also, all finalists will be given a $100
award to prepare a bench design by April 4, with the final selection
to be announced April 11. The deadline for installation is May
16, as Baker expects the entire project to be finished by June.
A sculpture pad is also being installed on the site for the future
installation of additional artwork.
In the meantime, interested artists should contact the DBDA by
calling (828) 262-4532.
"We’re going to ask the artists to ... incorporate
elements of downtown Boone’s culture and why we’re
such a landmark town in the southern region.” — Mary
Baker, Downtown Boone Development Association
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