Committee seeking more sculptures to expand Community Corner

Niwot’s Community Corner Sculpture Park at the crossroads of Niwot Road and 79th Street has imbued the town with creative inspiration. A meandering sidewalk bordered by ornamental shrubs and colorful perennials, metal benches, a whimsical Little Free Library, a pair of painted Left Hand chairs and nine captivating sculptures have resulted in a peaceful oasis to stroll through and a sanctuary to relax in.

The Niwot Sculpture Park Committee is putting out a call to artists for more sculptures to be on display. The last day to submit a proposed new piece of artwork for the corner is Oct. 31.

“We are delighted at the response we had to the sculpture park's first year,” committee member Catherine McHale said. “This little corner of Niwot has really come alive with the beautiful landscaping starting to mature and these wonderful artworks.”

Artists may submit up to three pieces for consideration, each must be durable enough to withstand whatever weather Colorado can throw at them. Any theme or material is welcome. Submission forms and requirements are online at http://www.niwot.com/call-for-artists.

According to the online information, “Selection criteria include quality and innovation, compatibility with the site, and public safety.”

The Niwot Sculpture Park Committee is comprised of seven locals representing the Niwot Community Association, Niwot Business Association, Niwot Cultural Arts Association, Niwot Future League, Cottonwood West Homeowners Association, artists and Niwot residents. The members are Laura Skaggs, Chuck Klueber, Anne Postle, Lisa Rivard, Scott Deemer, Asher Panian, and Catherine McHale.

Newly selected sculptures will be joining Feather, Aviator, Peacemaker, Three Graces, Ocean Embrace, Desert Visions, Winot Bronze, Waco Curves II, and The Spirit of the River Does not Live Long in a Drainage Pipe. The collection includes pieces with Asian, Native American, natural, and adventure inspired themes. Bronze, wood, marble, stainless steel, concrete, and stone are some of the materials used.

“It looks as though all of our current sculptures will be staying, but we are looking for more,” McHale said. “The plan will be to add to the existing set and potentially create some more landscaping as well in a few months. We don’t have a specific limit on how many pieces we will take. It may depend on how they fit with the existing space and collection.”

The committee will select the new art pieces by Nov. 15 and a timeline calls for installation in February 2020. One of the artists of the newly chosen pieces will be awarded a stipend of $750. A second stipend for $250 will be given to the winner of the annual People’s Choice Award.

The sculptures are for sale at the end of the one year installation period. Interested parties may contact Osmosis Art Gallery for additional information. Last year, the piece titled Waco Curves II was purchased by the Burrell Family Foundation with a donation of $10,000 to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association. The piece was then given as a donation to town, so it will remain a permanent piece at Community Corner.

The other sculpture that will be a permanent installation is “Spirit of the River Does Not Live Long in a Drainage Pipe,” which was donated to the Niwot community through the NCAA by the family of artist Scott Reuman, who passed away in 2013.

For additional information regarding submitting a sculpture proposal to the project, visit http://www.niwot.com/call-for-artists or write to publicart@niwot.com.