Competitions Help Communities
Celebrate Outdoor Sculpture
TIPS for Photographing Sculpture
From the SOS! Volunteer Handbook and the Larry Millican, Manager of Bedford Camera and Video, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
- Keep things as simple as possible in the picture.
- Avoid taking pictures in the middle of the day when the sun can cast shadows on the artworks.
- Keep the background simple; shoot images at the right angle to avoid distractions in the background such as a car, building or something that may blend and deter from the sculpture.
- Use a tripod to help get a clear shot or a longer lens, which will help make the background less noticeable.
- If shooting the sculpture with people, it is better to get a close-up view of the people and a detail of the sculpture.
- Take a few images—both close up and far away.
- Visit the sculpture on a few different days, if possible, to take a variety of shots.
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Local communities are using contests to increase appreciation for their communities' outdoor artworks. “We think it is very important to connect culture with sculpture in Fort Smith and to let people know as they go about their daily lives that there are unique sculptures here,” says Chuck Raney of the Fort Smith Historical Society in Arkansas. His organization is holding a photography contest to document and celebrate the town’s 26 artworks and selected gravestones. The local photography shop, Bedford Camera and Video, is judging the photographs and sponsoring the prizes. The juried competition runs from September 1, 2005, through January 31, 2006. The photographs will be judged on artistic and technical merit as well as content. Winners will have their photos published in the April edition of the
Fort Smith Historical Journal. Photographs will also be displayed around the community. More information can be found on the Fort Smith Historical Society’s Web site at
www.fortsmithhistory.com.In North Carolina, an annual competition helps the citizens of Lenoir select new sculptures for their outdoor collection and celebrate the artform. The Tri-State Sculptors Association and the Caldwell Arts Council jointly sponsor the celebration for sculptors to exhibit two pieces of sculpture in a 9-acre downtown park. Sculptors compete for Merit and Purchase Awards.
The weekend begins with a Blue Jean Preview Party with dinner, live music, and artists’ slide show. On Saturday, visitors tour the sculptures, and the event culminates with an award presentation followed by the judge’s walking tour. Best of Show, Merit and Purchase awards total annually $12,000 and more.
Sculptures of all sizes, media, and subjects are included in the competition. The show has always been known for its inclusion of both well respected artists and blooming college student artists.
Currently more than 75 artworks are permanently placed throughout Caldwell County, which may have more sculpture per capita than anywhere in the United States. Many of these pieces have been purchased during the festival. To date, public art funding has been used for purchasing new sculpture; however, plans are underway to establish a public art plan that will include purchasing guidelines and a maintenance schedule. Members of the Caldwell Arts Council feel that although it will be difficult to purchase fewer works of art each year, preserving sculpture for future generations is a high priority. For more information visit http://caldwellarts.com.
