LIPAF250: THE LIBERTY TRAIL

ARTIST APPLICATION: LIPAF250  "THE LIBERTY TRAIL"

A Special Edition of the Long Island Public Arts Festival

Produced by: Colored Colors

In Partnership with: Huntington Historical Society, The Heckscher Museum of Art & The Town of Huntington

 
About the Exhibition

To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are transforming Heckscher Park into a living gallery centered on the theme of LIBERTY.

This year’s festival features seven monumental triangular prisms creating a physical "Liberty Trail." We invite artists from across New York State to help us bridge the gap between historic significance and contemporary expression, creating a landmark event that defines Huntington’s 2026 celebrations.

 
Important Dates

Application Deadline: Sunday, June 7th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Artist Decisions Sent: Friday, June 12th, 2026
Mandatory Digitization (Len Marks Studio): June 15th – 19th
Exhibition Opening & Ribbon Cutting: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
Viewing Period: July 1st – August 31st, 2026

OPEN CALL: TWO CATEGORIES

Submission Rule: Artists may submit up to 3 entries total per specific application. If choosing to submit to both categories, artists must complete two separate applications and two separate entry fees. Submission does not guarantee selection.

Category #1: The Alphabet of Freedom 

Focus: Narrative Typography & Iconic Imagery 

Theme: Celebrating LIBERTY through the power of the letter. 

We are looking for 7 artists to "adopt" one letter of the word L-I-B-E-R-T-Y. Your challenge is to treat the letter as a vessel for a story about American progress and freedom. 

The Prompt: How can a single letter represent a monumental shift in our history or a pillar of our community? 

Creative Examples:

The Letter "L" (Labor): Filled with blue-collar workers, gears, and brickwork to represent the Industrial Revolution.
The Letter "E" (Education): A collage representing the "Liberty of the Mind."
The Letter "Y" (Youth): Symbols of the next generation taking the torch of freedom forward. 

Category #2: Perspectives on Liberty 

Focus: Heritage, Unity, and the "Unfinished Revolution" 

Theme: Commemorating 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence. We are seeking 14 artists to create original, non-typographic works that explore the soul of our nation’s founding principles. 

The Prompt: What do these core principles mean to you: HERITAGE, UNITY, and LIBERTY?

Freedom of Perspective: We invite modern, inclusive, and personal perspectives on:

Heritage: The ancestors, places, and stories that have survived and thrived (The "Power of Place").
Unity: The process of "We the People" finding common ground.
Liberty: A reflection on the "Unfinished Revolutions" occurring today—the pursuit of equality and justice for all.

Entry Fee: $20 per application (covers up to 3 entries). 

Jury: Entries will be juried by a panel including representatives from all project partner organizations, including the Town of Huntington, Huntington Historical Society, and the Heckscher Museum of Art.

Recognition & Legacy

Selected artists will receive:

Massive public exposure (100k+ anticipated visitors).
Featured spotlights on all digital and social platforms.
Permanent inclusion in the LIPAF 250 Historical Archive.