In preparation for the May 2022 opening of its Sculpture in the Park exhibition, the St. Charles Park Foundation, St. Charles Park District and Sculpture in the Park Committee are now accepting applications to this popular annual celebration of public art which takes place in Mt. St. Mary Park. Interested sculptors may discover event details and apply online at www.stcsculpture.org.
The deadline for applications to this year’s event is February 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.
Of further interest to contributing sculptors, 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, for which the winning artist will receive a $1,500 honorarium. 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” to be held on June 17, 2022, at Mt. St. Mary Park.
Visitors to the website can learn more about the history of Sculpture in the Park, view photographs from current and previous exhibits, make a donation and download a map for a self-guided walking tour through the exhibit 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. A biking and walking path loops through the exhibit space, enticing visitors into the park and inviting passers-by to stop and appreciate the art on display.
