Applications Sought For Sculpture In The Park

ST. CHARLES, IL — The St. Charles Park District is now accepting applications for Sculpture in the Park exhibition in Mt. St. Mary Park in May.

Interested sculptors can apply online at www.stcsculpture.org. The deadline for applications to this year’s event is Feb. 9, 2022. Interested artists will find a complete prospectus which conveys important information such as sculpture size, materials, installation requirements and insurance online at stcsculpture.org.

Sculpture in the Park awards a $1,000 honorarium for each accepted sculpture. Also, a one-year installation of a selected piece will be placed on display in the East Garden at the Baker Community Center, and the winning artist will receive a $1,500 honorarium, according to a St. Charles Park District news release.

The guiding Sculpture in the Park Committee for this event will also award a “Committee Award” of $500 to an exemplary sculptor who will be recognized at the “Sculptor’s Reception," which will be held on June 17 at Mt. St. Mary Park.

The district’s permanent collection of 21 sculptures can be seen throughout St. Charles at Mt. St. Mary Park, Baker Memorial Park, Lincoln Park, Pottawatomie Park, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, Pottawatomie Golf Course, Delnor Woods Park, Fox Chase subdivision and Otter Cove Aquatic Park. Several of these sculptures were donations by generous community members and sculptors.

Sculptures are chosen by the Sculpture in Park committee who evaluate the submissions from local, regional and national sculptors. Their goal is to select pieces that will be a great “fit” within the 29-acre expanse of Mt. St. Mary Park and reflect its scenic beauty on the banks of the Fox River, according to a news release.

A biking and walking path loops through the exhibit space, allowing visitors into the park and inviting passersby to stop and appreciate the art on display.