Woodland Park seeks artist proposals
Mitch Cohen
See this in The Leader news here.
Woodland Park seeks artist proposals for Legacy Fountain Revitalization Project
For full specifications and info on how to submit a proposal, visit https://tinyurl.com/3ndasjkj. For details on the history of Woodland Park, visit www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org/about.
DEADLINE: Sunday, March 2: Last day to submit proposals (window closes at 11:59 PM, Sunday March 2)
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A century-old remnant of Woodland Park’s history is set to be transformed into a striking new public art installation. The Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) has announced a call for proposals from mosaic or sculpture artists to repurpose an 11-foot concrete bowl—what remains of a historic fountain—into a lasting piece of community art.
The project aims to preserve the park’s natural beauty while preventing the misuse of the bowl, which has previously been used as an unauthorized fire pit. The selected artist will incorporate a central vertical element into their design, making it both visually engaging and functionally protective.
To support the project, FWP is offering a $2,500 grant to the chosen artist. Additionally, local materials—including ceramics, stoneware, and over 300 small pieces of petrified wood—may be provided to incorporate into the final design.
Design Guidelines & Historical Preservation
Artists are encouraged to use earth tones and natural hues that complement the surrounding nature preserve, avoiding plastics and overly bright colors. The artwork must preserve at least 18 inches of the bowl’s outer rim, with options for creative framing or integration of the historic bricks into the design.
Potential themes for the piece include:
Local wildlife and birds
Bayou and natural elements
Historic references to Woodland Heights and Houston
The structure must also include a permanent vertical element rising from the center of the bowl, which could take the form of a mosaic-covered sculpture, a nature-inspired statue, or another creative interpretation.
Submission Deadline & Project Details
Artists interested in submitting proposals must do so by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) has already approved the project’s parameters and will provide final approval on the selected design to ensure it aligns with community standards.
This project is an opportunity for artists to leave a lasting mark on one of Houston’s historic green spaces while contributing to the city’s growing public art scene.
For full specifications and info on how to submit a proposal, visit https://tinyurl.com/3ndasjkj. For details on the history of Woodland Park, visit www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org/about.