Silver Box Project artists are sought

SANDPOINT — The city has put out a call to artists in the search for this year’s sculptures for the Silver Box Project.

The first sculptures in this annually rotating art-on-loan program were installed last fall on the permanent stainless steel bases, or “silver boxes,” in three downtown Sandpoint locations. Three sculptures will once again be selected by jury process for an approximate one-year loan.

Each artist can submit up to three sculptures prior to the June 25 deadline.

Selected artwork/artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium for temporary display of their work.

The project is open to all artists residing in the United States, though preference may be given to local and regional artists.

The application, selection criteria and other information can be found at sandpointidaho.gov/2020SilverBoxes.

The three sculptures currently in place include one by George Rickert of Sandpoint titled “Angry Bird,” described by Sandpoint Arts Commission Chair Elle Susnis as whimsical and colorful in nature. That piece is featured at the Silver Box location on the corner of Fourth and Church.

Another sculpture, featured at the corner of Fifth and Oak is titled “Okeefe.” The artist is Patrick Sullivan of Pine Valley, Utah, described by Susnis as a carrera marble with a fluid form. The third piece is a hand-welded, laser-cut aluminum diamond plate heart sculpture at the Fourth and Oak Silver Box location. It is titled “Low-Poly Open Heart (RIDE),” by Matthew Duffy of Washington, D.C.

These three sculptures are currently for sale. If you are interested in purchasing one of these pieces, please call Aaron Qualls, Sandpoint Planning and Community Development Director, at 208-255-1738.

The Silver Box Project was approved by City Council in 2018 with the intent of giving selected artists an opportunity to display their work in Sandpoint’s bustling downtown core.