“Rainbow Trout,” by Craig Hinshaw, is made out of found objects.
By: Mary Genson | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published January 23, 2024
BEVERLY HILLS — Applications are now open for the village of Beverly Hills’ 2024 Sculptures in the Parks program through March 1.
Beverly Hills Village Clerk and Assistant Village Manager Kristin Rutkowski said in an email, that the village is excited to continue the program, which is in its third year.
Artists are asked to submit work that explores art and the natural environment. Submitted work will be evaluated and selected by local artists and approved by the parks and recreation board. This program required selected artists to loan their sculptures to the village from this May through April 2027.
All work is expected to be original, appropriate for all ages and suitable to be on display outside.
Specifications on installation requirements can be found at villagebeverlyhills.com.
“I believe that it’s been a positive thing,” Beverly Hills parks and recreation board member Janice Hausman said. “I think it’s good to bring public art to the community.”
Artists are responsible for transportation of the sculpture, installation and removal, insurance, maintenance, and repair, if necessary. Artists will receive a $1,000 stipend after successfully installing their piece.
Anyone is welcome to apply; however, all of the artists from the last two years have happened to be from Michigan.
“This year I did a special reach out to a lot of colleges that have sculpture programs, in hopes that some student artists might take this as an opportunity to get their sculpture out in the public,” Hausman said.
The village parks and recreation board and village administrators select the location of each sculpture to complement its environment. They hope to install one of the sculptures in the newest park, Beverly Green.
“The Sculptures in the Parks Program allows residents and visitors of all ages to admire unique works of art throughout the Beverly Hills parks system,” Rutkowski said via email.
More information on the Sculptures in the Parks program can be found at villagebeverlyhills.com.