CALL TO ARTISTS:

Commissioned Artwork for the Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk

Opportunity: Commissioned Artwork for the Angel’s Path: Sculpture Walk

Commission: $15,000

Location:

Brandi Fenton Memorial Park

3482 E. River Rd.

Tucson, Arizona 85718

Pima County

Send Submissions to:

Angelspathsculpturewalk@outlook.com

Application Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026

Description

The Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk Committee, in collaboration with the Pima County Public Art Donations Program, is seeking a quality outdoor sculpture representative of an uplifting Angel. This opportunity is for the commission of a permanent artwork to be located at Brandi Fenton Park as part of Phase 1 of the Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk multi-year project.

Budget

The artist will receive $15,000.00 to make the sculpture and it must include all materials and costs related to making the sculpture including transportation and installation.

Specific Criteria

The sculpture must be recognizable as an angel. It must be an uplifting or inspirational angel is some aspect. The sculpture must be made of outdoor durable and low maintenance material. [See the Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk Master Plan for sculpture specifications and application instructions]

Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk MASTER PLAN

Background: Brandi Memorial Fenton Park

The 56.7-acre Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (BFMP) is unique site for public recreation while retaining the character of the Binghampton Rural Historic Landscape. The park includes three soccer fields, covered basketball courts, shade ramadas, an equestrian arena and facilities, horseshoe pits, a playground, a splash park, an off-leash dog park, walking paths, a fitness course, and a memorial garden at the visitor center. BFMP hosts community programs such as Tucson Cancer Conquerors and environmental education programs on topics like historic agricultural practices, current water usage, and riparian restoration. This park is very well maintained, is noticeable in its beauty, and is enjoyed daily by its many visitors.

Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk Description:

The Sculpture walk will consist of angel-themed sculptures installed along sidewalks and natural pedestrian routes throughout Brandi Fenton Memorial Park. The walk will consist of approximately 29 original sculptures from multiple artists installed over a 5-year period. All artworks will be donated to Pima County and accepted through the Public Art Donations Process.

Concept: The broad concept of the Sculpture Walk is to accent the unique features of BFMP with high quality sculpture offering inspiration and reflection. The goal is to highlight the Park as a destination for Tucsonans as well as an attraction for tourism.

Artwork Theme: The theme of “Angel’s Path: Sculpture Walk” is for uplifting, inspirational sculptures either representational or abstract in nature. Placement of the sculptures along sidewalks throughout the park will create a meditative walking path with select groupings of 3-6 sculptures where areas allow. Viewers will be inspired by the beauty of the sculpture and reflect upon enlightenment and transformation of human beings in general. Perhaps a sculpture will represent a loved one that has passed or a guardian angel that commands a powerful, protective presence.

ARTWORK SELECTION PROCESS

Artwork Selection: The Angel’s Path: Sculpture Walk Committee, comprised of three committee members of Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk, will publicly advertise a “Call to Artists” requesting this particular artwork. The Committee will also contact known artists and request submissions. Applicant materials will be reviewed for completeness and selected based on esthetics, durability in an outdoor environment, and alignment with the donor’s requested theme.

Selection Process: The committee will review applications, conduct interviews, and select the artwork. The Selected Artists will have opportunity to be promoted in media and marketing during and after installation of their generous works of art (Pima County will attend reviews/interviews as a non-voting member).

Artwork Approval Process: The Selected Artists will work directly with the Committee and the County and follow the Public Art Donations Process to include Risk Management Review, Maintenance Protocol, site access and installation coordination.

Responsibilities: The Angel’s Path: Sculpture Walk Committee will cover the cost and fabrication of a concrete base and provide limited onsite logistical/installation resources on a case-by-case basis.

Time Frame:

Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2026. Application Review will occur on or before October 30, 2026 Applicant Interviews will be held the first week of November, 2026. If the applicant is out of state, the interview can be set by zoom. All applicants notified of selection status on or before November 13, 2026. Art committee approval of artist’s design by December 7, 2026. Pima County Public Art Donations process must be submitted within 2 weeks after the design is approved. Pima county has administrative duties and the donation will be approved in accord with their time line which takes about 2 months. Notice to Proceed with Installation approx. 6 months from December 15, 2026. Artwork installation complete 6-9 months from December 15, 2026.

Please send the following materials to: Angelspathsculpturewalk@outlook.com. To view images the significant sculptures already permanently placed at Brandi Fenton Park for this project, search angelparksculpturepath.org.

There is no limit to the number of sculptures an artist can submit. Each submission must include the following:

3 images minimum of 4 sculptures made by the artist in the last 4 years from multiple perspectives. Artist statement specific to the artwork proposed (No more than 1 page)

Artist resume. The artist can create a final proposed artwork, or some general ideas. The artist can create a model or renderings of the final proposed artwork or of their general idea.

SCULPTURE SPECIFICATIONS (All submissions must meet the following criteria)

Materials: Stainless steel, mild steel (rust finish) stone, bronze. Any paint will be high quality industrial enamel. No clay sculptures, painted murals, tile artwork, electronics (hardwired, solar, battery powered), or experimental materials/processes.

Artwork Dimensions: Sculptures will be large scale, up to 6’-10’ x 4’-10’ x 4’ (site permitting) with an overhead clearance of 6’,6” from the edge of the base. They will be made of permanent, durable materials that require little to no maintenance. The sculptures will take into consideration public safety especially for children who are prone to climbing. *Area 5 will be for sculptures under 6’.

Base Specs: Concrete, load Capacity: Circular 4’ dia. x 7”-11” (off surface) or flush with the ground. Sculpture will mount with security bolts, drilled, tapped, epoxied into base.

Installation: Each sculpture will be placed on a base unless there are reasons why it is unnecessary. The sculptures will be located at designated sites that will enhance the park and not encroach on walkways or public traffic. Installation will be determined by the Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk Committee and coordinated with Pima County on a case-by-case basis.

LOCATIONS

Locations: Environments differ in each area. Sculpture placement will ensure longevity of materials, visibility by the public, and safety. Bases will be set a minimum of 4ft from sidewalks. Sculptures will not obstruct views for traffic or overhang pedestrian paths. Some locations beneath tree canopy may be subject to animal debris over time. Stone and bronze artwork will be sealed and not located under trees. All locations will be adjusted to account for existing irrigation and infrastructure.

Phased Implementation: The Sculpture Walk will be completed over a five-year period through annual phases. Artworks will be installed in groups of 3-6 in multiple areas at once. Specific locations in each phase will be determined by Angel’s Path Sculpture Walk Committee and based on the donated artwork materials and dimensions.

PLEASE READ EACH SECTION THOROUGHLY AND APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026.