Hello Sculptors:
26th SculptFest April 27-29, 2018 – APPLY NOW!!
Location: Main Street Round Rock, TX, and the Plaza in front of City Hall – Austin Area.
Proof of Concept for Weekend Show in Austin Area: In May 2017, the 25th SculptFest celebration hosted by the Texas Society of Sculptors (TSOS) at the Texas Oasis demonstrated that a three-day sculpture event in the Austin area could be successful. This success in attendance and sales was achieved with a very limited budget, including no money available for advertising. The last weekend in April 2018, the 26th SculptFest will be in Round Rock.
Why SculptFest in Round Rock?
TSOS accepted a proposal from the City of Round Rock to hold SculptFest on Main Street for a minimum of three years. The intent of both parties is to extend the commitment beyond three years and to make Round Rock a “sculpture destination.”
Financial and City Staff Support for SculptFest:
The City committed funds from the Hotel Occupancy Tax to financially support SculptFest operating expenses and substantial advertising. Scot Wilkinson, Arts and Culture Director for the City of Round Rock, will provide professional management, city resources and advertising for SculptFest. Scot has experience managing other art events including Chalk Walk in Round Rock with an attendance of 40,000 people. Clint Howard is the TSOS SculptFest chairman for 2018.
Sculpture Purchase at SculptFest: City of Round Rock will purchase a sculpture for the City Collection from an artist exhibiting at SculptFest annually for three years.
Heritage Trail Sculpture: City of Round Rock has secured Bond Funding designated for future purchase of sculpture along the Heritage Trail.
No Entry Fee or Commission Charged:
City of Round Rock leaders and TSOS agree that SculptFest will be a cultural and economic benefit for the area; therefore, no fees or commissions will be charged to the artists. Also, large tents and cost for moving monumental size sculpture will be provided by the City.
Great Location: Round Rock is adjacent to Austin. Historic Main Street is a short distance from Interstate 35 with excellent restaurants and hotels in the immediate area.
Allan Houser Sculpture Exhibit opens with SculptFest:
An exhibit of 18 large sculptures created by Allan Houser will open on April 27th on the spacious Centennial Plaza, Round Rock (within walking distance from SculptFest). Allan Houser, an American Master (Chiricahua Apache, 1914 – 1994) is possibly the most significant Native American sculptor on the 20th Century.
Houser sculptures to be placed on the Centennial Plaza Outdoor Gallery are valued in excess of $3.6 million. All of the sculptures are for sale with commission income allocated to sculpture purchases for the City collection. This Houser exhibition is scheduled to last for a minimum of 13 months to cover two SculptFest events. The long-term vision is for the Centennial Plaza Outdoor Gallery and other sculptures in Round Rock to be a “sculpture destination.”
Live Music: Scheduled on the Main Street Plaza and the outdoor stage at Centennial Plaza to draw attendance.
Estimated Attendance: In excess of 25,000 visitors are expected to 26th SculptFest and the Houser Sculpture Exhibit.
Hotel Accommodations: Information about a block of hotel rooms reserved for sculptors will be sent to all who submit an entry application:
Private Reception Thursday, April 26th: A reception for participating sculptors, patrons, sponsors, collectors, and volunteers is scheduled in the Baca Center on Centennial to preview the Allan Houser Exhibit opening
Application Deadline: January 30, 2018:
Attached:
Call for Entries
Application Form
Warmest regards,
Clint Howard, SculptFest Event Chairman
Joe Kenney, President, Texas Society of Sculptors