University Of New Hampshire Announces Commission For Wildcat Sculpture

Contact: Kim Billings
603-862-1558
UNH Media Relations

June 3, 2004



DURHAM, N.H. — The University of New Hampshire and its Alumni Association have issued a call for entries inviting artists to submit proposals for a larger-than-life sculpture of the wildcat, the university's mascot.

The commission is made possible through funding from the Edward and Selma Bacon Simon Fund, gifts from Alumni Association classes and chapters and a grant from the UNH Parents Association.

Artists interested in submitting proposals are welcome to attend an informational meeting Wednesday, June 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Elliott Alumni Center, 9 Edgewood Road, Durham, New Hampshire. July 16 is the postmark deadline for all proposals (or hand-delivered by 4 p.m.). Finalists will be selected in August, and will be asked to present their proposals to the university community in the fall.

“We are very pleased to commission this project. The wildcat has long been a symbol of the university's proud traditions, and this sculpture will become a fitting symbol of our UNH spirit,” says President Ann Weaver Hart. “The proposal also offers the opportunity for the UNH community to benefit from the insights, talent and experience that artists will share with us.”

The wildcat sculpture is the first project to be administered under guidelines established by the university’s Committee for Campus Aesthetics. The guidelines are based on successful public art programs at other universities and those administered by state and federal agencies. The guidelines are designed to promote the thoughtful development of the university campus.

Artists who have demonstrated experience in public art commissions are encouraged to apply. Only works constructed of a durable material that will endure New Hampshire's weather will be considered. The work will be a representational image. Any presentational support or base will be considered part of the project and should be designed by the artist. The commission will be awarded in November 2004. Installation and dedication is tentatively planned for fall 2005.

Complete information is online at http://www.alumni.unh.edu/info/sculpture.html.

Interested parties may also contact Brenda Cote, UNH Alumni Association, Elliott Alumni Center, Durham, NH 03824, (603) 862-2040, Fax: (603) 862-4126, e-mail: Brenda.Cote@unh.edu for further details.