Sterling Heights Looking for Public Art Design for Community Garden

Sterling Heights has been home to public art for decades, and since 2018 began investing in sculptures and murals, with input from the Sterling Heights Arts Commission, to bring art, color and creativity to formerly blank or uninspiring facades and landmarks throughout the City. Now, the city of Sterling Heights is seeking an experienced, professional artist (or two) to paint two pieces of unique public art. These pieces will be installed at the city's new Community Garden & Butterfly Conservatory, scheduled to open May 1 at James C. Nelson Park.

Both pieces of art were made using upcycled wind turbine components and will serve the dual purposes of providing space for rest and relaxation, as well as providing a canvas for public art.This aligns perfectly with the City's Visioning 2040 plan of creating a city this is sustainable and environmentally responsible. Both the swing and the bench will be delivered primed and ready to be painted, with an expected completion date of painting set for Apr. 28, 2025.

The first piece is a covered swing made from the root end of a wind turbine blade with a composite board seating surface. The swing is 96" wide at the widest part, 36" deep, 80-86" tall.

The second piece is a bench with signage area made from a retired wind turbine blade with 360 degree recycled rubber seating surface. The bench is 144" at the widest part, 66" deep at the deepest part and 96" tall.

These public art pieces will be promoted to City residents and artists through print and social media and highlighted in numerous community arts and culture events, as well as the City's Digital Art Map. Artists can learn more about the City's existing Public Art collection at sterlingheights.gov/publicart.

Submission Requirements:

1. Description - Brief one-page narrative description of the concept for the work. Include in the narrative the specific piece's scale (bench and/or swing), types of paint and colors.
2. Visual Representation - Visual representation of the piece in any of the following formats:
   • Colored graphic or artist illustration depicting the project.
   • A model of the proposal.
   • Digital image/rendering.
3. Installation - Details should be provided on how the artist plans to handle the timeline required to complete painting for a May 1, 2025 unveiling and ribbon cutting.
4. Resume - A current resume including any past experience with public art.
5. References - Up to three references including name, project type, contact number and email addresses.

Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

City of Sterling Heights
Attn: Community Relations
40555 Utica Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Eligibility: Artists must be 18 years of age and over.

Budget: Maximum budget of $3,000 per piece; Proposed cost must include all aspects, design, labor, materials, etc.

Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2025.

Questions: Please emailCommunity Relations Director Melanie Davis at [email protected] and include subject line "Community Garden Submission 2025."

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