Call for Artists

• Sponsoring Group Name:   Cancer Connection, Inc., PO Box 60452, Florence, MA 01062
• Project:                            Mural/permanent exhibit in entryway of new cancer support center
• Submission Due Date        7/9/10
• Submission Fees               No fee
• City                                 New center is located in Northampton, opposite Cooley Dickinson Hospital
• Website                           www.cancer-connection.org

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN GUIDELINES

Cancer Connection provides a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones canlearn how to navigate the complicated cancer journey through education, peer support, complementary therapies and creative programs to strengthen body and spirit.  The intent is to create an installation that will (1) welcome the 1100 active participants and 300 new clients who use our services each year; (2) exemplify Cancer Connection’s focus on building emotional and physical strength for people living with cancer and their loved ones as they travel the journey from diagnosis through treatment and beyond; and (3) honor named clients, volunteers, community members and staff who have created this unique resource for people living with cancer.

• The art work will be installed as a permanent exhibit in a heated brick entryway lined with windows, and therefore, exposed to sunlight.  The proposed project should relate to the uplifting spirit of Cancer Connection and the concept of “connection.”  The design may but is not required to incorporate or draw from Cancer Connection’s logo.  Designs must be durable, weather- and fade-resistant, technically feasible and site-specific.  The design must be able to accommodate additions in the future (recognition of other participants and donors), either in the entryway or as a continuation of the design within the center (which will be compensated separately).  It must also be removable for installation in another location should Cancer Connection move to new quarters. 
• The artwork must encompass an “organic” or a “nature-based” theme that will celebrate life, renewal and community.  All two- and three-dimensional media will be considered, including painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and digital imaging.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.      Proposal that describes:

a.      The artist’s particular interest in the project

b.      Applicable experience (previous work/interests)

2.      Preliminary Design Concept indicating proposed theme and medium

3.      Resume and Portfolio with particular reference to similar work experience

4.      References:  Names and contact information for people knowledgeable about the artist’s work and working   methods

SELECTION PROCESS

Jurors:  Mary Ann Kelly – Cancer Connection Reflexologist and sculptor

Dr. Lindsay Rockwell – Cancer Connection Board member, oncologist, dancer and artist

Betsy Siersma, former director of University Gallery at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Criteria for Selection:

1.       the artistic merit and creativity of the artist’s approach

2.      the artist’s ability to capture the spirit of Cancer Connection and the purpose of the project

3.      the project’s lasting impact on the Northampton community and beyond

4.      the artist’s ability to carry out the proposal within budget and on schedule

PROJECT BUDGET

A budget of $1,200 has been designated to cover the Artist Fee, project materials, transportation and installation

TIMELINE AND PROCESS

July 9, 2010                            Proposal and Preliminary Design Concept due

July 19, 2010                          Final jury selection

November 1, 2010                   Installation Complete

November 2010                       Exhibition event                   

• Contact name                            Betsy Neisner, Exec. Director of Cancer Connection
• Contact email                            betsyneisner@cancer-connection.org
• Contact phone                           (413) 586-1642