Garden Guardians: Sculpture Exhibit & Auction

CALL-TO-ARTISTS! UPCYCLED GARDEN SCULPTURE DESIGN PROPOSALS.

Please be sure to click "Show More" to read over all of the key information before applying, as we have done our best to answer all your questions before you submit your application! 

WHAT IS THE PROJECT?

Following the success of our past upcycled art projects (Rainbarrels, Birdhouses, Chairs, etc.), the 26th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival is back with a new public art exhibit & auction: Garden Guardians.

We will select up to 10 local and regional artists to create eco-friendly garden sculptures from upcycled materials. These sculptures will be displayed at LeMoyne Arts Gardens from March 17 - April 17, 2026. All sculptures will be moved to the Festival for a concluding silent auction on April 18 & 19, 2026, with all proceeds benefiting LeMoyne Arts to support year-round programming and art education.

A Garden Guardian is more than a sculpture; it’s a whimsical protector of green spaces, a playful sentinel meant to spark joy and curiosity. Your design can be a mythical creature, a beloved animal, an anthropomorphic figure, a pillar, or anything in between. 

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

The jury is looking for whimsical, creative, and sustainable creations. Your design should be a true example of upcycling, with a focus on utilizing at least 70% upcycled materials to support our Greening efforts. We are seeking well-constructed, artisan pieces that will delight and inspire our viewers.

Important: This sculpture must be built to last. Your final piece will be displayed outdoors for a month and will be taken home by the auction winner to continue its life as yard art. Therefore, it must be able to withstand Florida's climate and stay both intact and upright.

Not a sculptor? Feel free to join forces to bring your artistic vision to life! If you're working with a partner or small group, just be sure to add all their information to the application so we can give them proper credit.

PAYMENT DETAILS & BENEFITS:

Each accepted sculpture is considered a donation for the silent auction. As a thank you, artists will receive a $150 stipend upon delivery of the completed sculpture to help cover material costs. As a participant, you will also receive extensive marketing exposure as a featured artist in the public exhibit and qualify for a chance to win the $100 People's Choice Award (voting concludes at the Festival).

ABOUT THE APPLICATION:

• This application is for design proposals only. You do not need a finished piece at this time. We encourage you to submit multiple design concepts for our review committee to evaluate. 
• You may continue to edit your application until the deadline. Just make sure you save your login information and progress. Once you are ready, click “Submit”, and you will receive an automatic confirmation email (check your junk folder). If you don't see an email, we did not receive your application. 
• If you are accepted but decide you cannot complete your sculpture, please let powell@lemoyne.org know as soon as possible so that a waitlisted artist can be invited to participate instead.  
• Email support@eventeny.com­­ if you run into Eventeny-related application errors/ questions.
• This is an electronic agreement. By applying, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically. 

YOUR APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE: 

• Design Proposal: Help the jury understand your vision! Please include a sketch/ inspirational images/ examples of your work/ the materials you plan to use/ descriptive explanation of your idea(s). A clear and detailed proposal helps us ensure your concept aligns with the project's standards before you invest significant time and resources into a sculpture.
• Marketing info: A brief artist statement, a third-person bio, and a high-resolution headshot for our social media campaign and exhibit signage.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Proposal Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 1, 11:59 pm
• Jury Result Notification: The first week of February (or sooner)
• Progress Photos Due: Monday, March 2
  • This is required! We require this check-in for our social media content and to ensure your piece is on track. Avoid procrastination and get feedback so we have time to pivot if needed. Send via Eventeny's message system or email to Powell@Lemoyne.org
• Completed Sculpture Drop-off at LeMoyne Arts: Monday, March 16, between 9 am and 3 pm
• Garden Exhibit: March 17 - April 17
• Festival Weekend: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19
  
  • Silent Auction: Available at the "Chalk Art Oasis" during the Festival weekend, closing at 2 pm on Sunday, April 19.
  • People's Choice Award: Voting will be available during the month-long exhibit, closing at the Festival on Sunday, April 19, at 2 pm. The winner will be announced and awarded their $100 check by 3 pm on Sunday.

WHO TO CONTACT:

• For Eventeny application errors/ questions: support@eventeny.com­­ 
• For project questions: Powell@Lemoyne.org

We hope you will participate in this exciting public art project! 

Please be sure to scroll all the way down and read over all the information before applying. 

DESIGN & DURABILITY GUIDELINES:

We are excited to see how you turn "trash" into a beautiful work of art! By using at least 70% upcycled materials, you will not only help prevent waste from going to the landfill but also have the added bonus of saving on material costs.

• Your piece needs to be weather-resistant and able to withstand Florida's climate so that this can truly be considered a Garden Guardian!
• Easy to install/transport:
  • Make sure you have a weighted base/stand or staking capability to prevent it from falling over. The auction will be on an asphalt surface, but we can work with you on the display as needed.
  • We strongly recommend you include care instructions if you've gone with a unique assembly or design for the buyer (typed, not hand-written). 
  • All sculptures must be secure and portable. While we will do our best to handle the sculptures with care, LeMoyne Art Foundation and the Chain of Parks Art Festival are not responsible for potential damage that could occur during the month-long public exhibit and festival weekend. Artists will be contacted if an incident does occur to allow time for the artist to make repairs.
• For a strong presence in both the garden and at the auction, we recommend a sculpture height of between 2 and 5 feet tall. We are looking for impressive pieces that will serve as a bold statement in any yard!

OTHER IMPORTANT GUIDLINES:

• Participants must be at least 18 years old or be supervised by an adult guardian. Group collaborations are welcome!  

• All work displayed MUST be original work by the artist or group collaboration and be consistent with the sketch/design plan accepted by the jury. 

• This is a family-friendly public art project; the subject matter should be appropriate for all ages. 

• Trademarked or copyrighted images will not be accepted (i.e.; college logos, Disney characters, etc.) 

• By applying, all accepted applicants give permission to LeMoyne Arts to use submitted images for exhibit promotional purposes. 

Please Note: The Chain of Parks Art Festival Team reserves the right to reject work that does not meet the vision & goals of this project. If a piece is rejected due to a violation of these guidelines, the stipend payment may be withheld.

2026 GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS & HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENTLEMOYNE ART FOUNDATION, INC. does NOT provide liability insurance for the protection of persons, vendors, entertainers, merchants, organizations, spectators or others who participate in any LEMOYNE ART FOUNDATION, INC. event.
 
In consideration of participating in the Chain of Parks Art Festival, I do hereby release and forever discharge LEMOYNE ART FOUNDATION, INC., its members, officers, employees, agents, servants, volunteers and sponsors from any and all actions, negligence, causes of actions, claims and demands, for any damage, loss or injury, which hereafter may be sustained by me or my organization in connection with or relating to any LEMOYNE ART FOUNDATION, INC. event.
 
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