Norman Artists Invited To Apply for Artist Residency in Clermont-Ferrand, France!

The City of Clermont-Ferrand wishes to invite a visual artist from our partner cities — which includes Norman, OK — within the International network of Michelin cities (INMC) for a two-month residency in our new residency place, the Chalet Lecoq.

The residency must be part of a research period linked to the artist's practice or as part of a specific project that the artist would like to develop.

Both in the center of the city and in an atypical location in the middle of a public garden, the Chalet invites reflection on the relationship between nature and the urban, in a place frequented by the inhabitants of all ages (families, students, senior citizens...). The Chalet Lecoq is the former house of the janitor of the Jardin Lecoq, a park located in the heart of the city. Throughout the year, the Chalet welcomes international artists in residency selected through calls for applications as part of the town's international partnerships. This residency offers a privileged setting with an apartment including two bedrooms and an equipped work space that can accommodate one to three artists simultaneously.

This project is fully in line with the city's bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2028

Terms

• A residency of 2 months in November and December 2023 for an artist from a partner city of the INMC - duration and exact dates to be specified with the selected artist;

• the residency must be part of a research period linked to the artist's practice and to the residency's setting, or as part of a specific project that the artist would like to develop.

Conditions

• Supply of a bedroom and a work space in the Chalet Lecoq apartment

• A grant of 1,500 € / month of residency

• Travel and Production costs : an allowance in the limit of 1,500 €

Selection

Applications must include: a pdf portfolio (15 pages max.) + a note of intention
Deadline for application : July 23, 2023

For more information about the residency, you can get in touch with:
Fanny Martin
Head of Visual Arts Department, City of Clermont-Ferrand
fmartin@ville-clermont-ferrand.fr

Join Artists, City Officials for a Walkthrough Celebration of Artful Inlets at Colonial Estates Park

The public is invited to join mural artists and representatives from the City of Norman — including staff and elected officials, including former Mayor Breea Clark — for a walkthrough of the latest round of Artful Inlets storm drain murals that were installed in April.

The Walkthrough Celebration takes place at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 25 at Colonial Estates Park, 1641 E. Lindsey, Norman.

This year’s selected artists include Jaiye Farrell, Kayla Hawkins, Sophie Miller, Haley Spradlin and the team of Valoree Biggs and Rachel Etters.

This in the fifth round of Artful Inlets, in which Norman Arts Council and the City of Norman have invited artists to submit designs that transform city storm infrastructure into works of public art. These artful inlets will educate and raise awareness that pollutants that go down storm drains have a devasting impact on our local water quality.

The City of Norman operates and maintains a series of underground pipes, open channels, ditches, and roadways used to collect or convey stormwater runoff from our homes and businesses to the nearest body of water, such as a creek, stream, or lake. In urban areas, stormwater runoff from hard surfaces, like roofs and driveways, flows along the side of the road until it reaches a storm drain, which is an opening or grate in the curb connected by pipes to the nearest waterbody.  

Water and other materials that enter these storm drains are transported directly to our creeks and streams without any treatment.  Some of the pollutants that enter our local creeks and streams with stormwater runoff include grass clippings, oil, trash, fertilizers, pesticides, and pet waste.

There are now 19 Artful Inlets across Norman, including locations in Downtown Norman, Lions Park and now on the east side of Norman at Colonial Estates Park.

Colonial Estates Park is in a historic site in Norman, nearby was the original camp of Abner Norman. Additionally, a tributary of Bishops Creek runs through the park, which is the actually connection to the City’s Stormwater system. Selected artwork was asked to have a stormwater and/or water quality theme, incorporating the slogan “Make Pollution History!”, as a nod to the history of the site.

Watch this Artful Inlets 2023 recap video to see the artists in action, learn more from city staff and get a look at how they brought new character to the east side Norman park!

Norman Arts Seeks Artist for Public Art Project Set for New Flood Avenue Roundabout

RFQ for Norman Forward 1% Percent for Art: Flood Avenue Roundabout Public Art
as a part of James Garner Avenue Phase II Construction

$175,000 Artist Fee
RFQ due at 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 2
APPLY HERE

Norman Arts Council, on behalf of The City of Norman and Norman Forward 1% Percent for Art for the Flood Avenue Roundabout, is seeking an artist (or team of artists) to create a significant work of art for a new roundabout and entrance to downtown Norman, Oklahoma.

This is a multi-lane roundabout that will connect Flood Avenue to the new James Garner Avenue extension and lead traffic directly into downtown Norman and the Walker Arts District without going through neighborhood streets. The site is approximately 50 feet in diameter. This is one of the first multi-lane roundabouts in the State of Oklahoma.

Norman is a growing, progressive city located 20 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City and is the third-largest city in Oklahoma. The citizens of Norman initiated NORMAN FORWARD, a proposal to renovate, expand, construct and fund Quality of Life projects, such as multiple recreational facilities, libraries, parks, athletic venues, public art, trails, swim complexes and other quality of life projects throughout Norman.  The initiative went to the City Council from community groups, stakeholders, and Norman residents, who prepared an initial package using analysis and information from recreational planning professionals and research firms. In 2015, the City Council placed NORMAN FORWARD on a ballot that was overwhelmingly supported by Norman voters. For more information about Norman, please see http://www.normanok.gov/cm/norman-forwardand www.visitnorman.com.

The land that encompasses Norman was historically the home of many Native Tribes. The Caddo, Osage, Quapaw, and Wichita Tribal Nations are all native to the land that is now Oklahoma. By the early 1800s, the Pawnee, Kiowa, Comanche, Cheyenne, and Arapaho had also migrated into the region or visited to use resources. Some Delaware, Shawnee, Kickapoo, Chickasaw, and Choctaw regularly came to hunt Oklahoma’s abundant bison, beaver, deer, and bear. In the early 1800s, the US assumed control of the area and this became “Indian Territory.” During the Indian Removal Act, many tribes from the eastern US, were forcibly moved to what is now Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.

The City of Norman was founded in 1889 and the University of Oklahoma followed shortly thereafter in 1890. During WWII, the land that runs along Flood Avenue was a US Navel Base. The University now owns the land, and it is an airport. Near the new roundabout and parallel to James Garner Avenue is Legacy Trail – a walking and biking path that also leads into Downtown Norman. Along the trail are bronze maps and statues that tell the history of Norman. Also parallel to the Trail is a BNSF Railroad. Approximately 25 freight trains pass through Norman daily. The tracks are also used by Amtrak which runs through Norman with a stop twice daily.

The Artwork

The Selection Panel has determined that the most effective artwork will be an iconic three-dimensional sculpture that can be experienced in 360 degrees visibility and centrally located in the roundabout. A concrete pad and electrical are included in the design to accommodate the artwork.

The artwork should create a sense of arrival into Norman and will be the first impression for visitors to the community, therefore could be iconic of Norman. Alternatively, the artwork could be an attraction and not necessarily allude to the identity of the place.

It is important to note that most people who view the work will be drivers. The speed limit at the Roundabout is 30 mph and there will be upwards of 20,000 cars per day that pass by. In addition, the site is visible from both the Amtrak train and those on Legacy Trail as secondary audiences.

This is a very flat and wide-open site with no visible obstructions to the roundabout. The area around the site is immense, and the artwork should be monumental enough to command the open space around it. However, the work needs to consider driver safety and site-lines.

The site is also very windy for much of the year. Wind guests can regularly reach 40 mph. Due to this, we would not recommend a kinetic artwork for this location.

The Selection Panel is open to most media or material that is appropriate to the site if it is durable, safe, low maintenance, and vandalism resistant. However, we do not recommend any reflective materials, as those would pose a danger to drivers.

Weather in Oklahoma is unpredictable – extreme heat and sunlight should be a consideration as should damaging winds (above 40 mph during storms) and hail.

Budget 

The total artist's fee for the project is $175,000.00. This amount must cover all associated costs including design, materials, fabrication, lighting, travel, insurance coverage, shipping, and installation.

Artist Eligibility

Open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and working in creating site-specific works.

Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.

Timeline

• RFQ Deadline: June 2, 2023 @ 11:59pm MST

The following dates are approximate and subject to change:

• Notify Artists:  Week of June 19, 2023

• Finalists’ Site Visit: Mid-July 2023

• Finalists’ Presentation of Proposals: Late August 2023

• Contract with Selected Artist: October 2023

• Installation and Dedication of Artwork: Early Spring 2024

Committee and Selection Criteria

Selection for this project will be made by a panel including stakeholders, design professionals, City representatives, a member of the Norman Public Art committee, a member of the Norman Arts Council Board, and members of the arts community.

Three finalists will be selected based on the materials submitted.

After a formal presentation by the finalists, the selection panel will choose the best project for the site based on the merit of the artist’s work, experience, and appropriateness of the proposed concept. The Panel will also focus on artists who can demonstrate sensitivity to the site and surroundings. Artists must be able to commit and effectively work within the project timeline and collaborate with the administration of City of Norman Public Works Department and Norman Arts Council.

Selection Process

1. The Selection Panel will review all applicants who respond to this RFQ.

2. Three finalists will be invited to move on in the process.

3. Finalists will come to Norman for a mandatory site visit to meet with the Project Team and others. Finalists will be paid a $600.00 allowance to cover transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the site visit.

4. After the site visit, finalists will be asked to create a site-specific design proposal that will include:

   1. a scale model, maquette, or computer-generated design

   2. an itemized budget

   3. a project timeline

   4. project narrative

   5. maintenance plan

5. Finalists will each be awarded an honorarium of $1,000.00 for their proposal.

6. Finalists will be required to present their proposals in-person to the Selection Panel and will receive a $600.00 allowance for transportation, hotel, and per diem expenses for the proposal presentations.

7. The Selection Panel will make the final decision on the artist awarded the project pending approval of the Norman Arts Council and Norman City Council.

All applications must be submitted via CaFÉ

Submissions for this project must contain the following materials:

• A one page maximum typed letter of interest outlining your qualifications for and interest in the project, as well as the general idea for your approach.  Please consider the following questions when developing your letter of interest:

  • Why do you want to work on this project?

  • How would you approach this project?

  • What materials do you work with that would be appropriate for outdoor use?

  • Have you worked on similar projects? If not, what relevant experiences do you have?

  • How does this project relate to your current work?

• Resume/CV

• Artist Bio/Statement

• Three references with whom you have worked on a public art project, including current telephone number and email address.

• 10 - 15 high-resolution images of previous work you feel would support your ability to carry out this project. Include all pertinent information on your Cafe slides: title, medium, size, date of completion, location, and project details (i.e. Budget commissioning agency, etc., if public art).

Artist Eligibility

Open to professional artists with experience working on public art projects of this scale and working in creating site-specific works.

Artists identifying with an ethnic, cultural, sexual, gender, economic, or ability minority are encouraged to apply.

Large Format, Wood Inlay Graphic Novel from Gregg Standridge Comes to the Walls of MAINSITE

The walls of MAINSITE will be transformed into a large format graphic novel by Norman artist Gregg Standridge, an extraordinary, hand-cut, wood inlay marquetry show of over 20 pieces.

Yes! I Can Roger! opens on May 12 and runs through June 9 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main. The exhibit will be celebrated with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 12 and closing reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 9.

Both receptions will be held in conjunction with Norman Arts Council’s monthly 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission to the gallery during open hours and receptions is always free.

Oklahoma native, Roger Miller, made a bold statement in his hit song, “You Can’t Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd,” but we respond with, “Yes! I can Roger!” Jayzik Azikiwe comes to life from a little girl struggling to overcome her “buffalos” to a world where she lives her dream of rollerskating and is celebrated for her courage and determination. The show evolved from his teenage years, spending hours watching eal live confident Jazik Azikiwe skate in Dire Strait’s video “Skate Away” on MTV. The exhibition evokes feelings of hope, music, dreadlocks and “I can do anything!”

“My vision of wood inlay art comes alive, sings and dances, and even cries,” Standridge said of this body of work. “It won’t be still.”

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More about Gregg Standridge

Gregg Standridge is a local Norman artist, musician, and registered Choctaw Nation artist. He is also Cherokee, a seasoned songwriter, teacher of guitar and performer. He has played with words, music and art since birth. He was recently commissioned to create “Buffalo Sunset” mural at Midway Grocery. He was also accepted into UN(SEEN), a juried exhibit in Chickasha, OK and has frequently exhibited works at various Downtown Norman shops and studios during 2nd Friday Norman Art Walks.

Norman Arts Council Announces New Round of Grants to Norman Artists

Norman Arts Council back with a second round of grants of its new artist grant program to serve Norman-based artists and further our creative community. While the longstanding Norman Arts Grant Program has benefited local artists through its support of dozens of arts organizations around town, this furthers NAC’s commitment to directly benefit local artists in a variety of ways.

The program offers three grants of $1,000, each in a different category.

The categories include Community Project, Creative Project and Education.

• Community Project grants help artists initiate a community-based project that leads to artistic creation. Evaluation is based on quality, the community impact and overall concept.
  APPLY HERE

• Creative Project grants support creation of new work or body of work. Evaluation is based on quality of creative opportunity, career building potential, and overall concept.
  APPLY HERE

• Education grants support opportunities to participate in conferences, residences or workshops that provide education and further one’s artistic practice. Evaluation is based on quality of educational opportunity, career building potential, and overall concept.
  APPLY HERE

Artists can apply for all three grant opportunities in each cycle, but a maximum of one grant will be awarded to any artist in a given grant cycle.

Only artists who have resided in Norman for the past 12 months are eligible to apply for the Norman Arts Council Artist Grants. Applying artists must be at least 18 years old.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 1.

Questions may be directed to Programs & Development Manager Cher Duncan.

Learn more and apply below: