Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker will host art in public places. 

Now in its third year, the much celebrated Douglas County Art Encounters™ public art program invites sculpture artists to submit applications for participation in the June 2010 to June 2011, outdoor sculpture exhibit.   Deadline for artist entries is Feb. 26, 2010.

Public art in the 2008-2009 program was viewed by more than six million visitors. Since 2007, three Art Encounter-participating artists’ works were sold to individual patrons or Douglas County municipalities as a direct result of this program.

Art Encounters showcases sculptures, in various media and styles, displayed in highly visible, public areas in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker.  The project is designed to promote public interest in art and draw visitors to the retail or civic areas where the art is displayed.

Chosen artists will receive a $500 stipend for each piece selected for the exhibit, payable after completion of installation.  Artists will also benefit from the opportunity that their work to be purchased either by one of the participating communities, an individual or a business.

All professional and amateur artists over the age of 18 are eligible and should submit existing, completed work.  No entry fees apply.  Sculptures can be any size as long as they can sustain all types of outdoor weather conditions and must remain a part of the exhibit throughout the year-long time frame.  Each individual or group may submit up to three different entries and must include one set of two high-resolution digital jpeg images from different perspectives at 300 dpi or higher.  An artist statement/bio as well as a publicity photo of the artist must also be submitted for each piece. 

The Douglas County Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC), consisting of representatives from each of the participating communities, will review the applications and make selections by the end of March 2010.  Artists will receive an acceptance or denial letter shortly thereafter.  Historically up to three sculptures have been selected for installation by each of the participating communities.

Art Encounters was born from efforts of the Douglas County Cultural Council (DCCC) which, since 2007, has set aside Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) funds for the Art Encounters program implementation in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker. Castle Rock, not within the SCFD, derives their funding for Art Encounters participation from the Town’s portion of the Philip S. Miller Trust.  

Please visit www.douglas.co.us/artencounters for comprehensive program information, rules for entry and entry form.