Price Sculpture Forest on Whidbey Island near Seattle is preparing to open soon. Infrastructure is already in place, including professionally constructed walking trails, paved parking lot, utilities, security cameras, and public WiFi. The first set of sculptures was installed in the sculpture park in August. One of those sculptures has already been sold even before opening, with multiple others donated to the park’s permanent collection. You can view several of the sculptures on our website blog and social media pages (see below).
The current Call for Artists is looking for additional high-quality sculptures for the 2020 grand opening. The Sculpture Forest has two themes, each with its own walking trail loop: Nature Nurtured (for sculpture representing either living things or natural elements) and Whimsy Way (for sculpture that is fun, humorous, or whimsical). If you have an outdoor-oriented, year-round sculpture that fits either of those themes, you are encouraged to submit an informal proposal. Go to www.SculptureForest.org/sculptors for more info.
A Great Opportunity for Sculptors
To help early participating sculptors, the nonprofit organization running the park is providing zero commission (100% of sale proceeds to the artist), sculpture insurance, marketing, and onsite installation assistance. Sculptures can be for sale, on loan, or donated to the park’s permanent collection. The park will also provide a personalized advance tour to any sculptor submitting a proposal and considering public exhibition. Early participants get to select their favorite location that helps show their sculpture in its best setting.
The Sculpture Forest is excited that PNWS member Matt Babcock will be exhibiting his sculptures Standing Otter and Discobolos. Three other members have also expressed interest as they work out specifics.
The Sculpture Forest concept took root eight years ago when founder and PNWS member Scott Price had impactful experiences at other sculpture parks. He imagined his 16 beautifully forested acres, accessible by road, bike route, and an existing walking path near historic downtown Coupeville, would be a significant tourist draw for the town and broader area that he calls home.
A Sustainable Sculpture Park
Preserving the 100-year-old trees and verdant native habitat forever was also part of the plan. Scott worked with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust to create a permanent Conservation Easement that removed all residential development rights from the property. The Conservation Easement has been designed to create a public sculpture park within the preserved forest. He then formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to run the Sculpture Forest.
Scott’s long-term goal is to make Whidbey Island an outdoor sculpture park tourist destination. There are already six different sculpture locations on the island, each with their own unique approach. His plans are to collaborate with the other organizations to market a Whidbey Sculpture Trail under a cohesive public relations, events, social media, and digital strategy.
You can learn more about the upcoming sculpture park and its opportunities for sculptors:
Facebook (www.facebook.com/PriceSculptureForest)
Instagram (www.instagram.com/pricesculptureforest)
To learn more about Pacific Northwest Sculptors events, contact us today!