Artists Have Friday Deadline for 'Iron Ranger' Design

The “Iron Ranger” at Bradley Palmer State Park is one of the donation boxes that the state Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking artists to paint wildlife and landscape scenes on it.

The Iron Rangers is a narrow metal contribution containers located in parks across the state and collect donations placed in it.

The 42-inch-high steel containers are currently a dull grey until decorated by artists. The artist program, now in its eighth year, is open to the public.

 “The Iron Ranger program promotes exactly the kind of partnerships that are important to DCR’s mission,” said DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert. “It fosters community engagement, adds value to our parks in colorful ways, and enhances the visitor experience. The Iron Ranger program is truly a wonderful way for both artists and the public to directly impact state parks.”

In all, there are 170 Iron Rangers in 111 properties across the state, including one at the entrance to Bradley Palmer State Park, which sits in both Hamilton and Topsfield. The Iron Rangers collect about $15,000 annually, which helps fund educational programs and conservation projects in the parks.

The DCR hopes that when painted, the Iron Rangers will attract further attention and visitors will contribute more generously.

Proposals to paint an Iron Ranger must be submitted by Friday, April 26 and will be juried by members of DCR’s Design Committee. Selected artists will be notified by May 1 and the work must be completed by Aug. 30. Submissions should be sent to Sharon Hoey, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Suite 600, 251 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02114.

Submissions must include a color design, a written description of the design and the location of the Iron Ranger the artist wants to paint. Artists must also include their resume or name, address, and information on their design background, as well as a day-time phone number.

There will be no payment for the work.

DCR will supply the paint and paintings will be done on-site.  The Iron Rangers will be cleaned by DCR staff members before the painting and the containers will need two primer coats, one base coat, and two finish coats.