Art in the Pages
Call For Artists
Note! The design submission period is now closed. The submitted designs will be posted on this Web site in mid-February.
Recognizing the success of statue events around the world such as the Cows in Chicago, the Peanuts characters in Saint Paul, the Donkeys and Elephants in Washington D.C. and many others, we are proud to create Fairfax County’s first public art project, Art in the Pages. This special public art initiative will increase the awareness of the joy from public art and highlight the creativity of local artists; bridge the community through the shared enjoyment of the statues that transcends age, education, and ethnicity. This project will spotlight the delight of literature and reading through three major annual mid-year county events: the Fairfax County Public Library's Summer Reading Program, All Fairfax Reads, and the Fall for the Book Festival of Authors. It will also create a culture of engagement in direct support of one of the county’s vision statements.
It will feature a limited number of 4 foot high statues of an open book custom designed by local artists. The books will be on display throughout Fairfax from April, 2008 through the end of the summer. We may also have small miniatures to be designed.
We recommend artists consider designs which reflect local themes or local people from history. It is important to note that the sponsors will select the designs and the final products will ultimately be sold in an auction. Similar exhibits in the region have seen whimsical designs receiving the most attention.
Artists participated in this event by designing both front and back templates of the open book statue. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a highly visible project. Artists will receive an stipend of $1,500.00 for each approved design that is selected by a sponsor. This stipend includes materials and the execution of the design.
If you have a sponsor to recommend, please or call the Library Foundation at 703-324-8300.
We hope that you are as enthusiastic as we are about this great project and we look forward to receiving your designs! Please review the artist information. Designs must be postmarked or delivered by January 22, 2008.