APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!

NEW DEADLINE: Saturday, February 8, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST

Scope of Project:
     Clark County Wetlands Park is seeking ten (10) professional artists or art teams to create temporary sculptures to be exhibited in the Nature Preserve from March 15 through May 15 at Clark County Wetlands Park, 7050 Wetlands Park Lane, Las Vegas, NV, 89122. Successful applicants will be compensated one-thousand dollars ($1000) each to build and exhibit their original piece. The artwork will be exposed to natural elements (wind, rain, sun exposure) throughout the 62-day exhibit period and may be damaged or stolen during this time.
     This project is open only to artists over the age of 18, who are not part-time or full-time Clark County employees or currently under contract for any Clark County Public Arts projects larger than $50,000. The contracted artist will be required to provide their Social Security number or Federal Tax ID Number.  

BACKGROUND: 

About Clark County Wetlands Park
     Wetlands Park spans 2,900 acres on the eastern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. With a 210-acre Nature Preserve and four Trailheads, the park provides recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat as well as an outdoor classroom for scientific studies and educational programs for all ages.
     Wetlands Park is shaped by urban runoff, shallow groundwater, storm water, and reclaimed water that flows through the Las Vegas Wash and into Lake Mead.
     More than 300 species of birds and 70 species of mammals and reptiles have been identified in the park, including beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and snakes. The park offers a wide variety of programs to the public, including walks led by Certified Interpretive Guides, art, children’s crafts and stories, and group and individual volunteer opportunities. 

Wetlands Park Mission
     “Clark County Wetlands Park preserves and enhances natural and cultural resources, and provides educational, recreational, and research opportunities to the public.” 

About HAVEN
     Clark County Wetlands Park is vital to the health of the Las Vegas Valley, serving as a natural filter for water recycling, a haven for biodiversity, and a special place for city-dwellers to connect with nature. Clark County Wetlands Park invites interested local artists to create works to personify those plants and animals that call the Wetlands home.
     This theme explores the interconnectedness of life within wetlands, where every creature, from the Rubyspot Damselfly, the Great Blue Heron, or the gnarled Willow Tree, plays a role in maintaining balance. Sculptures inspired by this theme celebrate the beauty, fragility, and necessity of wetlands while inspiring reflection on our responsibility to protect them.


Requirements for Artist: 

• This project is an entry-level public art project that is open to all 18 and older Clark County residents except for Clark County employees. 
• All project supplies are to be provided by Artist. 
• Artists are required to attend the Application Workshop on Friday, January 24 from 11am-12pm. Alternatively, the artist may review a recorded version of the presentation and Q&A. Your application must include a keyword mentioned during the presentation. 
• Each artist will be assigned a site alongside a short loop trail to install their artwork in the Nature Preserve at Wetlands Park. The site will be marked by a flag, and the artwork must be installed within a six-foot radius of this location. 
• Artwork must be installed between dawn and dusk on Friday, March 14, 2025. Staff will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST in the Wetlands Park Nature Center if the artist has any questions or concerns about installation. Artists are highly encouraged to visit the site well in advance of installation day. 
• Artist must be flexible on their ideas and open to adjustments if there are problems with the installation. 
• Artist must attend the Art Social on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST, and be prepared to give brief informal artist talks next to their installation. The Art Social will be free and open to the public. 
• Artist must remove their artwork between dawn and dusk on Friday, May 16, 2025. The $1000 stipend will not be issued unless the artist completely removes all traces of their installation. Staff will be available between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM PST if the artist has any questions or concerns about deinstallation. 

Timeline overview: 

• Application workshop: Friday, January 24 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST 
• Join the workshop on Google Meet 
• Required: applicants will be given a keyword to include in their submission. 
• Visit art.ccwetlandspark.com after January 24 to review the presentation. 
• Application deadline: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 11:59 PM PST 
• Applicants notified: Saturday, February 15, 2025
• Installation day: Friday, March 14, 2025 
• Art Social: Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST. 
• Required: artists must be prepared to give brief informal artist talks next to their installation; artists will be asked to stand near their artwork and engage with the public from 10:00 to 11:00 AM; chairs can be requested. 
• During this time, a Wetlands Park staff person will go around and record each artist’s brief artist talk, to be posted on Clark County Parks & Recreation social media as well as its website. 
• Exhibit dates: Saturday, March 15 through Thursday, May 15, 2025 
• Deinstallation day: Friday, May 16, 2025 

Artwork Guidelines: 

• Artwork must address the themes addressed in the call. Be creative, unique, engaging, and age appropriate. 
• Artwork must be temporary. We highly encourage recycled or upcycled materials. 
• Small components that are unsecured and likely to be carried away by wind or animals are forbidden. Artwork must be singular and safely contained. 
• Artwork must not contain anything perishable or edible. 
• Artwork must be built for a lifespan of 62 days. Artwork that becomes damaged, unsightly, or hazardous may be removed by park staff. Artists will receive the full $1000 stipend even if the artwork does not last throughout the 62-day period. 
• Artwork must be installed within a six-foot radius of the assigned installation site (marked by a flag). The installation footprint cannot exceed twelve feet in its longest dimension. 
• Artwork may not obstruct the trail. 
• Artwork must not be more than six feet tall. 
• Artwork must be secured to the site. Metal stakes are acceptable on the ground. 
• Wetlands Park is a natural area; art pieces should not require level ground or delicate balance. 
• Artwork may not be suspended from or affixed to trees without direct approval from Wetlands Park staff. 
• Ground disturbances (digging, moving rocks) are not allowed without direct approval from Wetlands Park staff. 
• No materials should be sourced from the Wetlands Park. Do not take or disturb the natural elements without approval from Wetlands Staff. 
• Artwork should be created to be viewed during daylight hours only. No lighting, or lighted elements are permitted. 
• Artwork must be hand carried or brought in on a non-motorized cart. Vehicular access will not be authorized on trails in the park. (The designated installation sites are near the main parking lot.) 

GOALS:
     The successful proposal will address the project theme in an inventive and original way. 

PROCESS:
     Applications will be evaluated according to the goal listed above by a committee of Wetlands Park staff. The top ten scored applications will enter into an agreement with Clark County. 

PROJECT BUDGET:
     The commission shall not exceed $1000. This price shall cover all costs of the project to include but not be limited to artist’s fees, travel, design, storage, materials, supplies, etc. 

Payment will be mailed to the artist 30 days after completing the requirements for the project.  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & Evaluation Criteria: 

1. Application Form
        Submit your application using the above Submittable form. In addition to some basic personal information, you will also need the following materials:
    
2. Letter of Intent
        Provide a Letter of Intent describing your installation and how you plan to interpret the theme. Feel free to include sketches and diagrams that will help evaluators visualize your proposal.
    
3. Portfolio
        Artist must submit 5-10 examples of previous artwork that is relevant to this project. List the title, location, year, dimensions, material, and a description (if context is necessary) on each page. Artwork that contains offensive language, overtly political, religious and/or sexual content of imagery, including nudity, and copyright infringement shall not be considered.
    
4. CV
        Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, up to two (2) pages. List any gallery and public art experience, if applicable. We are especially interested in seeing evidence that you can follow through on installations and other large projects.
   Reach out to staff before the deadline for help if you are having problems completing the application form.
        Application must be completed and submitted by Saturday, February 8, 2025 by 11:59 PM PST
        If you have additional application questions, please contact:
    

• TO: wetlandsart@clarkcountynv.gov 
• Subject: Home: Wetlands Art Installation 

Guidelines

• Applicant(s) must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant(s) must have previous experience performing publicly.
• Offensive language or any overt references to smoking, drugs, alcohol, political, religious and/or sexual content, or imagery, including nudity, shall not be permitted.
• Applicant(s) must perform for a 2 hour duration with a 15 minute break in between.
• Performer(s) required to do their own setup and provide their own equipment. County will only provide venue and power for performance.
• Performer(s) can only play acoustic sets or those of a similar sound level. No acoustic drum sets will be allowed unless applicant(s) inquire about the use of drum brushes, but Clark County Public Arts reserves the right to deny such use. A drum rug will be required in case this option is permitted.
• Clark County Public Arts reserves the right to disqualify and remove any performers that pose a threat or cause harm to the public, the facility, or staff.
• Applicant(s) acknowledge that the gallery is a public space. Performers in the gallery may be photographed by visitors, members of the press, and County staff for promotional and educational purposes. This includes social media postings before, during and after the event.
• By submitting an application, you acknowledge that inclusion in the Musicians List does not guarantee performance opportunities. It serves  as a resource for event organizers to select musicians based on their specific requirements and availability.

Call for Artwork

Clark County Public Arts Presents Empowered: Women of Clark County

Empowerment is the action of giving strength and confidence to someone. Anyone that identifies as a woman knows that they are usually tasked with this act of giving, but also the need to receive it. We want to celebrate women and their accolades, accomplishments, and abilities with this exhibition. We ask artists to create portraits of the women in Clark County that they honor and respect. This can be any woman that has made an impact in your life or your community, whether it’s a family member, mentor, or anyone that you look up to. Celebrate the women in your life because more than likely the make you feel Empowered.

Fawn Douglas is an Indigenous artist, activist, and proud member of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. She also has roots with the Moapa Paiute, Southern Cheyenne, Creek, Pawnee, and Scottish. She is the co-founder of Nuwu Art, where she does art, runs programming and does cultural consulting. Fawn also organizes with the non-profit IndigenousAF, works as a Cultural Engagement Specialist with Meow Wolf, and serves as an Art Commissioner for the City of Las Vegas Ward 3. Her studio practice includes drawing, painting, sculpture, performance, and textile. Fawn earned her MFA with presidential honors at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

*NOTE: Please carefully read Terms and Conditions section below for content limitations, video media display, and Gallery Preparation Guide link.

Submission Guidelines:

• Eligibility: Open to artists ages 8 and up; applications for artists under age 18 must include signature and contact information of parent or guardian.
• Mediums: All mediums are accepted, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media; no replica prints shall be accepted.
• Deadline: All submissions must be received by February 23, 2025, by 11:59pm.
• For questions, please email: ccpublicart@clarkcountynv.gov

Exhibition Details:

• Exhibition Dates: The exhibition will run from March 17, 2025 – May 01, 2025
• Venue: Rotunda Gallery at Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155
• Reception: A reception will be held where artists will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their work. Date to be announced.

Awards and Recognition:

• Best in Show: $300
• Honorable Mentions: $150 (x2)
• Gift certificates are only valid in person at any Desert Art Supplies location. Awards will be distributed at the exhibition reception to artists in attendance.

*Terms and Conditions

1. Open to any artist aged 8 and older; applications for artists under age 18 must include signature and contact information of parent or guardian.

2. Must be original artwork medium; digital art, photography and printmaking are acceptable; no replica prints shall be accepted.

3. Images included in applications must be of actual artwork, not conceptual images.

4. Artist MUST be available for pick-up and drop off date to sign in and sign out their work. Artwork must be hand delivered or shipped to the address on this form. If shipping the work, the costs of round-trip shipping are at the artist’s expense and must be pre-paid and on time.

5. The artist agrees to leave their work up through the end of the exhibit date. No artist may drop off or remove their artwork without consent of the Clark County Public Arts.

6. Artwork that contains offensive language, smoking, drugs, alcohol, overtly political, religious and/or sexual content, or imagery, including nudity, shall not be considered.

7. All 2D flat work (on paper or similar) must be framed with a hanging point on the back. Canvas and larger 2D work must have D-rings, a wire, or existing hanging point secured to the back, and be ready to hang.

8. See our Gallery Artwork Preparation Guide for more details.

9. 2D artwork dimensions may not exceed 48” wide or 48” high; weight cannot exceed 40lbs.

10. Perishable artwork shall not be considered.

11. All parts of the artwork must be secured and stable. For example, sculptures must be securely glued or welded together.

12. 3D artwork dimensions may not exceed 20” L x 20” W x 35” H; weight cannot exceed 50lbs.

13. A pedestal will be provided for selected three-dimensional works.

14. Clark County Public Arts reserves the right to disqualify and remove any artwork that poses a threat to fall, break, or cause harm to the public, the facility, or the artwork itself.

15. Please note that Clark County does not secure insurance on exhibited artwork. Artist will exhibit at their own risk. We encourage you to purchase your own insurance during the exhibit to recover any loss from broken or stolen artwork.

16. Artist agrees to hold harmless the County, its officers, employees, and agents from all liability for any injury or damage that may occur to artwork as a result of the negligent acts or omissions of its members, employees, officers and/or agents and to sign a waiver that will be provided if accepted into the exhibit.

17. Artist acknowledges that the gallery is a public space. Art that is exhibited in the gallery may be photographed by visitors, members of the press, and County staff for promotional and educational purposes. This includes social media postings before, during and after the exhibit.

18. Artist is responsible to deliver art to and from the exhibit space.

19. Artist acknowledges that if art is not picked up at the agreed upon date set forth in this agreement, County will have the art removed immediately from the exhibit space at artist’s expense. Any art that is left longer than 10 days will be considered abandoned property and will be subject to $100.00/day storage fee.

20. Sale of goods is facilitated solely by the Artist; no County staff will take payment. If a purchaser is interested, County staff will put them in touch with the artist with artist’s consent. All proceeds of any sale go to the Artist.

21. Artist agrees to drop-off to the Gallery between the hours of 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on Friday, 03/14/2025, and to pick-up artwork between the hours of 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on Friday, 05/02/25. Artist must bring ID.

For questions, please email: ccpublicart@clarkcountynv.gov

Thank you for your interest in inviting Clark County Poet Laureate Ashley “Ms. AyeVee” Vargas to your upcoming event! 

To get started, please share the details of your event with us. We will review your request and get back to you soon to confirm her availability or discuss any necessary adjustments regarding the time, date, and other event details.

As a reminder, typical engagements for the poet laureate include appearances at libraries, museums, literary festivals, book clubs, bookstores, educational institutions, writing conferences, veterans' events, and media interviews.

The Clark County Public Arts Office oversees the poet laureate program, collecting invitation requests and providing Ms. AyeVee with an annual stipend that covers part of her materials and travel expenses. While the role of poet laureate is prestigious, it is not a full-time position, and Ms. AyeVee does not have an office at Clark County.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

For further questions regarding The Clark County Poet Laureate and other programming, please e-mail: poetry@ClarkCountyNV.gov

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST.

Clark County Wetlands Park is seeking to fill an Artist Residency from Friday, March 15, through

Thursday, May 15, 2025. The successful applicant will be compensated three thousand and four

hundred dollars ($3400) to schedule forty (40) hours of creative research on Wetlands Park

grounds, lead one (1) creative workshop, and create one (1) work of art for the Park.

Scope of Work:

• Participate in a 15-minute video interview at the beginning and end of the residency. Commit to forty (40) hours of creative research on Wetlands Park grounds. Twenty (20) of these hours must be scheduled during weekends (Sat, Sun) and include Wetlands Art Day (Saturday, March 22 from 10am-2pm) and BioBlast (Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 9am-1pm). The other twenty (20) hours are flexible but must be logged in a sign-in book at the Nature Center.
• Lead a creative workshop, free and open to the public, on Saturday, April 5, 2024 from 10am-12pm.
• Create an original, residency-inspired work of art for the Park; the artwork is to be delivered by Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 3pm. Wetlands Park will hold non-exclusive rights to sell reproductions of the image.
• The selected artist will be compensated two-thousand and four hundred dollars ($2400) after completing the open studio hours and workshop, and one thousand dollars ($1000) after delivering the residency-inspired artwork.

Application Requirements:

•  Statement of Intent: In 200 words or less, describe what you want to accomplish during this residency and how your creative research will connect with the Park’s mission: Clark County Wetlands Park preserves and enhances natural and cultural resources, and provides educational, recreational, and research opportunities to the public.
• Workshop Proposal: Briefly describe an idea for a two-hour creative workshop that you will lead: include theme, art technique and materials, and age range.
• Artist CV
• 5-10 images of your artwork, representative of the type of work you want to create, during the residency.
• The above materials must be submitted by Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST.

Selection Criteria:

• Relevance of proposed creative activity to Wetlands Park mission (Statement of Intent, Workshop Proposal)
• Evidence of creative achievement (Artist CV)
• Quality of previous artwork (Portfolio)

*All documents must be in .pdf format only.
 

The selected artist will be notified by Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Residency Requirements and Guidelines

• The residency is open to all Clark County residents aged 18 or older.
• The artist is responsible for obtaining all applicable insurance, including but not limited to: Auto, health, general liability, and workers compensation coverage.
•  Lodging is not provided; the artist must provide their own transportation to and from the Park.
• The artist will provide all art supplies and materials; limited secure storage for supplies will be available.
• Artwork that contains offensive language, overtly political, religious and/or sexual content or imagery, including nudity, is discouraged.
• No materials should be sourced from the Park without prior approval from staff. Wildlife disturbance is not allowed.
•  The artist must abide by the Leave No Trace policy when working outside.
•  The artist is responsible for cleaning up after themselves when working indoors at the Nature Center.

If you have any questions about the application or residency, please contact:

wetlandsart@clarkcountynv.gov