Sculpture Tour Call to Artists

Application Information

Sculpture Tour works to enhance the quality of life through FREE PUBLIC ART!  We exhibit original outdoor sculptures for 11 months each year, exchanging the sculptures each spring. Our current tour features approximately 150 sculptures in Eau Claire, plus exhibits in neighboring partner cities/towns including Altoona, Wheaton, Menomonie, Osseo, Waupun, Oregon, and Red Wing, MN amongst a few potential others as we seek to grow our network. Your work will be considered for our entire program unless you prefer otherwise, which you can indicate on question #16 on the application form below. If your work is chosen for multiple sites/years, we will be responsible for transportation and installation within our program at no charge to you.

Sculpture Tour is promoted heavily through Visit Eau Claire, and makes a significant contribution to tourism, economic development, education, cultural enrichment, active lifestyles, and community pride.  We seek to eliminate any socioeconomic barriers to art. Each year our tour showcases nearly 2 million dollars worth of art. Sculptures valued at more than $500,000 have been purchased or commissioned through the tour and remain in the Chippewa Valley. The Eau Claire program is open to professional and amateur artists of all backgrounds.

Sculptures in the program remain the property of the artist and are “on loan” for the duration of the show. Artists are paid a $1,000 stipend for the use of their work, paid in two parts.  Upon delivery and installation in May 2025, artists receive a $500 incoming stipend and $500 again at the end of the show during the 2026 artist reception. Checks are mailed out to artists who are unable to attend. All artwork is insured while in our custody.   

Sculpture Tour receives a 25% commission on sculptures sold through the tour and on related commissioned work.  This supports our program's sustainability for the future. Please set your price with this commission included. 

Note: We are waiving all entry fees for the program.

Please submit a photo or sketch of your sculpture(s) on the application. You may submit up to four (4) sculptures. All entries must be received by November 1, 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Entries MUST be submitted via the form below. Please do not submit an application via email or mail as you will be asked to fill out the form below. Please contact Kennedy Domerchie at kennedy@visiteauclaire.com if you need technical assistance. For all other inquiries, please contact Julie Pangallo at julie@visiteauclaire.com

NOTE: Your piece must be finished 30 days prior to installation, or it will be replaced by another submission. There will be NO late installations.

Other Sculpture Tour Information

Considerations

1. Safety is our first consideration when evaluating sculptures for public display. Sharp protrusions, etc. may eliminate an otherwise exceptional piece.

2. Durability is also a strong consideration, as the piece will be outdoors and subject to extreme weather conditions. It also must withstand the interaction of a very enthusiastic public. 

3. Audience: Public art installations must be appropriate for all audiences.

It is only after these criteria are met that a piece is considered for its artistic value.

4. Delivery: Sculptures for the 2025-26 exhibit must be delivered to Eau Claire or arrangements must be made for exchange.  All sculptures need to be delivered in “Intended Condition” and should be treated, sealed, painted or repaired prior to delivery.

5. Installation: Sculptures must be delivered with a steel or stainless steel mounting plate on the bottom, a minimum of 1/2” (half an inch) larger than the sculpture at its base. This allows us to weld the sculptures to our pedestals for a more secure installation. In rare exceptions (generally large-scale artworks) other installation methods are utilized. Please indicate if your piece will require special installation on question 14 of the application form. Sculptures must also arrive on-time for installation; otherwise, the additional installation cost will be the responsibility of the artist.

Awards

People’s Choice:  A purchase award of the sculpture's value, up to $15,000 chosen by popular vote. Sculptures priced above $15,000 are ineligible unless waived by the artist.

Best of Show Bronze: $1,000 (juried) 

Best of Show Other Materials: $1,000 (juried) 

Voting closes on Dec. 31, 2025. Winners are announced at the artist reception & installation in May 2026.  

2025 Tentative Dates   

Friday, May 2, 2025: Deadline for delivery of sculptures being shipped to Eau Claire 

Saturday, May 10, 2025: Exchange with Partner Network Markets 

Hotel offered to out-of-town artists: May 14 & 15, 2025  

Installation Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Artist Reception: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5:30-7:30 PM | Location TBA  

Approximate Tour End Date: April 25, 2026

Have questions or need assistance in submitting your application?