🌿 Outdoor Sculpture Competition
Art in Nature – Echoes of the Landscape

✨ Emerging artists (ages 18–25) are invited to create and exhibit original outdoor sculptures inspired by the natural world. Winning works will be displayed in the scenic outdoor spaces of Cuba, NY, with prizes awarded!

IMPORTANT DATES

📢 Registration Opens – August 15, 2025, through October 10, 2025, no submissions will be accepted after 11:59 PM, October 10, 2025
🚚 Delivery & Installation: October 13–17, 2025
🎉 Opening Reception & Awards: October 25, 2025

PRIZES

🏆 1st Prize – $500
🥈 2nd Prize – $250
🥉 3rd Prize – $100
🌟 People’s Choice – $100

For questions, contact:
📧 OARSCubaNY@gmail.com | ☎ 585-209-9499

Submission Guidelines & Judging Criteria

Theme

“Art in Nature: Echoes of the Landscape”
Artists are invited to create sculptures that reflect, respond to, or are inspired by the natural environment. This could include materials from nature, commentary on ecology, or forms that interact with the landscape in meaningful ways. The theme encourages both aesthetic and conceptual engagement with outdoor space.

Eligibility

• Age: 18–25 years old at time of application.

• Location: Open to residents or students of Allegany and Cattaraugus County Colleges and Universities.

• Team Submissions: Allowed; all team members must meet the eligibility criteria.

• $50 entry fee - scholarships may be available if you qualify. Email: Dr. Kim Meehan at kim.meehan@outlook.com

Accepted Mediums

• Primarily sculpture, including:

• Metalwork

• Wood

• Stone

• Clay/Ceramic

• Found or recycled materials

• Mixed media suitable for outdoor installation

• Works must be:

• Freestanding and outdoor-durable

• Weather-resistant (rain, wind, sun)

• Safe for public interaction (no sharp edges, unstable materials, or tripping hazards)

Note: Painting, digital projections, or non-sculptural forms will not be considered unless integrated into a sculptural format.

Size / Technical Requirements

• Minimum Size: 3 ft (H) x 2 ft (W) x 2 ft (D)

• Maximum Size: 10 ft (H) x 20 ft (W) x 20 ft (D)

• Weight Limit: Maximum of 1000 lbs

• Base: Sculpture must have a stable base or anchor points. Artists must provide a proposal for installation and the materials used.

• Duration: Works must be able to remain installed outdoors for a minimum of 3 months.

Entry Process

• Registration Method: Artists must complete an online registration form available at [insert website or platform; will be available mid-August].

• Submission Requirements:

• Artist statement (max 500 words)

• Concept sketch or rendering of the sculpture

• Description of materials and installation needs

• Dimensions and weight

• Resume or CV (optional)

• Photos of past work (optional but encouraged)

• Physical Delivery:

• Selected artists must deliver and install their sculptures on-site between October 13–17, 2025.

• Installation support (equipment, volunteers) may be available by prior request.

Deadlines

• Registration Opens: August 15, 2025, at 12:00 AM (ET)

• Registration Closes: October 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM (ET)

• Delivery & Installation Window: October 13–17, 2025 (appointments required; site visitation prior is strongly encouraged)

• Judging: October 18–24, 2025

• Opening Reception & Awards: Saturday, October 25, 2025

• Exhibit Duration: October 25, 2025 – January 25, 2026 (or longer if necessary due to removal issues)

Judging Criteria

A panel of artists, curators, and community leaders will evaluate entries based on:

1. Artistic Merit & Originality (30%)

2. Relevance to Theme (25%)

3. Craftsmanship & Technical Execution (20%)

4. Environmental Integration & Durability (15%)

5. Public Impact & Engagement (10%)

Bonus consideration for use of recycled or natural materials.

Rights and Usage

• All artists retain full copyright to their work.

• By submitting, artists grant the organizers:

• Non-exclusive rights to photograph, promote, and exhibit the sculpture for the duration of the event and in perpetuity for documentation and promotional purposes (e.g., brochures, website, social media).

• The right to maintain and repair minor damage for safety or preservation, only with notice to the artist before repair.

• Artists may not remove the sculpture before the closing date unless pre-approved by organizers.