The Longview Outdoor Gallery program was inspired by the Visual Arts Commission trip to see the Puyallup, Washington outdoor gallery in 2009. A small task force started and has increased over the two years. The City Council made a resolution to support the project and citizens and organizations have been donating.

We know this program is going to be fabulous for our community. It will help revitalize and beautify our city’s living room space: the Downtown. It will bring families, students, photographers, visitors as well as budding and successful artists. It will open imaginations, inspire creativity and provide fun activities. In today’s economy with high gas prices, our citizens need more things to do within the community. This list is unlimited in what we dream for this program. The timing is perfect to coordinate with the planned Arts District, street rejuvenation project and the action plan from consultants of HyettPalma.

Our call to Artists went out spring of 2011. Judges Rudi Millpacker and Christina Henderson chose 11 sculptures from 23 applications in June. The sculpture was installed on September 10th with Artists and a celebration Kick off event. “People’s Voice” vote started in September. Ballots and ballot boxes are located at the following: Teague’s Interiors, Elam’s Furnishings, CAPtured Treasurers, Ken’s Engraving, and Broadway Gallery. It is our goal to be able to purchase that sculpture and donate it to our city within the first year of the exhibit. The exhibit will be displayed on Commerce Avenue in downtown Longview for two years and then a new exhibit will be installed. All art will be offered for sale.

This project is owned by the community and will be solely funded by donations. Funding for this project will be ongoing and also so will grant applications. Our partnership with the Longview Public Service group will make all donations tax deductible according to IRS guidelines for 501c3.

Our Mission:
Provide a rotating exhibit of outdoor sculpture and acquire new pieces for the city of Longview’s permanent art collection.
Our Vision:
Increase community involvement through volunteer programs, student education, tours, festivals, and other activities. Enhance the beauty of our community and attract more visitors and citizens to the downtown area.

Many activities will be planned to bring families, students, artists and visitors into the downtown area to participate. This is a project funded by the people and for the community. We invite you to participate.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
ARTISTS: Currently the call is closed. Please email to the address below if you wish to be on future mailing list for calls.

SPONSOR

Sponsor an installation base for 2 years. Sponsor’s name will be engraved on a plaque at site and listed on all promotional literature and websites. This is also a nice way to honor an individual. Contribution of $1,000.00

CORPORATE $300.00

PATRON

Gold—$300.00 to 999.00

Silver—$50.00 to 299.00

FRIEND—up to $49.00

Call for Artist Application on Contact Page.