DBDA digs requests

for downtown art completion

It could be called a “Request for Art,” but the Downtown Boone Development Association will stick with “Request for Qualifications.”

Specifically, the DBDA is looking for artists to help complete its Downtown Boone Heritage Gateway project, the final product of which will be located at the corner of West King Street and Poplar Grove Connector.

The area will feature three metalwork benches from Blue Mountain Metalwork, along with landscaping reminiscent of the region, to serve as a gateway to Boone for pedestrians and motorists, alike. The DBDA leased the land from Watauga County for $1.

Mary Baker, DBDA assistant director, said the RFQ is for artists to “embellish the benches.”

“We’re going to ask the artists to do embellishments on the benches and incorporate elements of downtown Boone’s culture and why we’re such a landmark town in the southern region,” Baker said.

According to the request, “Emphasis should be given to vertically displayed artwork that will be easily visible to automobile and pedestrian traffic.”

The project’s vision statement says the artwork should represent several cultural facets, with emphasis placed on area pioneers, the historical significance of agriculture, the natural environment and its cultural impact, and the region’s long-standing arts and crafts traditions.

An honorarium for the artists, in the amount of $1,200 each, will be awarded for each bench, and any artist who is a resident of the southern Appalachian Region and North Carolina is welcome to apply, the request reads.

“The intent for the benches and the artists’ work is to incorporate community heritage and culture,” Baker said. “Of course, they’ll need to be functional to withstand Boone’s weather conditions.”

The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 10, and finalists will be chosen March 19. Also, all finalists will be given a $100 award to prepare a bench design by April 4, with the final selection to be announced April 11. The deadline for installation is May 16, as Baker expects the entire project to be finished by June.

A sculpture pad is also being installed on the site for the future installation of additional artwork.

In the meantime, interested artists should contact the DBDA by calling (828) 262-4532.

—Frank Ruggiero, ruggiero@wataugademocrat.com