Proposals Wanted For Permanent Sculpture Outside Geneva Public Library

GENEVA, IL — The Geneva Public Library District is looking to add a permanent sculpture to its Memorial Garden space, giving artists the opportunity to submit ideas for the art.

The project will be funded by a grant from the Dudley G. and Delores R. Malone Family Foundation, which also funded the recently finished Memorial Garden, located on the library's north side.

The Memorial Garden contains a lighted walking path — surrounded by perennials, benches and natural stone outcroppings — that starts at the pedestrian entrance on Campbell Street and ends with a group seating area.

"This sculpture will be seen and enjoyed from a variety of vantage points, including visitors entering the library, garden enthusiasts, residents walking in the neighborhood, and motorists passing by the library," Library Director Christine Lazaris said in a statement.

When forming ideas for proposals, project organizers suggested artists take inspiration from words and phrases including community, harmony, meditative, holistic, organic, inclusion and accessibility, connecting to nature, and coming together in a chaotic world.

According to project goals outlined in a news release Tuesday, library staff said the sculpture should be:

• Of superior artistic merit and harmonize with the building and grounds
• Considerate of its prominent location in a public library and engage residents and visitors of all ages
• Visually appealing, distinctive and provide a positive sensory experience
• Complement the library’s mission of “Connecting our community to discover, inspire, and grow”
• Suitable for the physical location, does not encourage climbing, and does not interfere with access to the building
• Non-partisan and appropriate for audiences of all ages

Proposals are due by 5 p.m. March 15. Questions can be directed to Lazaris at clazaris@gpld.org.