Winning work displayed on art wall in Dallas Arts District for one year, all submissions shown in public exhibit
DALLAS – Professional artists across Texas are invited to enter A Year on the Plaza Art Competition by Thursday, Aug. 28 at 3:00 p.m. Formerly titled The Catholic Foundation Plaza Artists Competition, the new name reflects a fresh approach to the competition, now in its ninth year. “A Year on the Plaza” highlights the exceptional exhibition opportunity for the winning artist, and a new public showcase for all accepted submissions gives artists more exposure than in years past.
Presented by The Catholic Foundation, the unique competition is accepting original work, searching for a piece of art to adorn a 28-foot-long by 9-foot-wide public art wall in the Dallas Arts District for one year. The winning artist also receives a $2,500 stipend and honorable mentions receive $250 each. All accepted submissions will be displayed in a public showcase this fall.
“A Year on the Plaza Art Competition gives Texas professional artists the opportunity to leave their mark on the Dallas Arts District in a big way,” said J. Matthew Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “In addition to an unveiling ceremony and reception for the winner, we are adding a public showcase for all accepted art submissions to share the expanse of creativity and talent we see each year.”
Submissions must measure 28 inches by 9 and 2/3 inches and be in keeping with the location of the Plaza on the Cathedral grounds but do not require a religious theme. The Request for Proposal is available at www.catholicfoundation.com.
Once the winning piece is selected by a panel of highly respected members of the local arts community, it will be unveiled during a public dedication ceremony in October 2014. The Selection Committee includes one representative from The Catholic Foundation and one representative from the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe; Cindy M. Gummer, owner of The Enchanted Galleries; Katherine Wagner, CEO of the Business Council for the Arts; Patricia B. Meadows, Art Connections; Dallas artist Pamela Nelson; and architect Gary Skotnicki.
“I was honored to have won A Year on the Plaza in 2008,” said Pamela Nelson. “Having my work on display for a year in the heart of the Dallas Arts District was an artist’s dream come true.”
The Catholic Foundation Plaza is a unique 3,900-square-foot public space located at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the corner of Flora and Crockett Streets, directly across from the Meyerson Symphony Hall. The Plaza is in a highly visible location to visitors to the Dallas Arts District and is also one of the sites on the “Public Art Walk Dallas.” Dedicated in 2006, the Plaza was a gift from The Catholic Foundation to the Dallas community to commemorate the Foundation’s 50th anniversary. The wall currently displays last year’s winning piece, “Homage to The Concertgebouw” by Jim Keyes. Smaller replicas of all past winning artwork are mounted on the wall as well.
Chartered in 1955, The Catholic Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. This independent, nonprofit corporation has dedicated its resources to compassionate charitable giving through grants provided by benefactors through its many planned giving programs. Over the years, the Foundation has provided $82 million through grants to various religious, educational and charitable organizations. For more information, visit www.catholicfoundation.com.