Arts Commission

The Ferndale Ferns

Photo credit: Don Anderson

The City of Ferndale (“City”) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit artist proposals for the design, fabrication, and installation of a sculpture to be placed in Ferndale’s Griffintown Park, located at 5786 Second Avenue.

Project Details

This project is made possible by a grant from the Berghoff Art Fund of Whatcom Community Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to manage a process for public art acquisition and installation that:

• Creates a sense of hope and optimism for the community; has some aspect of humor, wit or playfulness.
• Preference to local Whatcom County talent, as long as the piece(s) presented meet a quality standard comparable to pieces available outside the local area. If no local artists apply for awards the search will expand outward to regional, then national
• Could last for 5-10 years
• Is not a depiction of violence, religious imagery or political in nature
• Has an identified location for installation;
• Is appropriate in size, scale, material, form and style for the social and physical environment in which it is to be placed;
• Is durable and resistant to vandalism;
• Is maintainable at a reasonable cost;
• Is reasonably able to be installed;
• Is maintained by property owner

An all-inclusive award of up to $15,000 for the sculpture will include artist fees, design fees, fabrication cost, site preparation costs, engineering expenses, and installation costs.

The selected artist must be willing to enter into the  City’s Agreement for Commissioned Artwork and prepare a scope of work that provides for the services outlined in this RFP. For the Agreement for Commissioned Artwork, click here.

Project Timeline

The City intends to complete the selection process using the following schedule. However, the City reserves the right to adjust the timeline as necessary. Any changes to the schedule will be posted on the City’s website.

Release Request for Proposals:                             May 31, 2024

Applications Due:                                                        July 8, 2024

Arts Commission Review of Applications:        July 10, 2024

Project Awarded:                                                        July 15, 2024

Installation Plan Finalized:                                     July 15 – 31

Site Prep and Installation:                                       August 1 – November 30, 2024

Selection Information

The selection panel is made up of members of the Ferndale Arts Commission members, with final approval granted by the Ferndale Mayor.

Application Requirements:

The following items should be submitted via email to: susanduncan@cityofferndale.org

Or by mail to:   City of Ferndale   Attention: Susan Duncan
PO Box 936
Ferndale, WA  98248

• Statement of Interest – Describe in a few paragraphs your interest in the project. The statement should demonstrate your understanding of the project objectives and include a preliminary proposal for how those objectives would be achieved.
• Concise representation/drawing(s) or photograph(s) of your proposed sculpture – Up to five images may be submitted.
• Concise representation/drawing(s) or photograph(s) of past projects of similar scope – Up to five images may be submitted.
• Resume highlighting past projects of similar scope – Resume should include information regarding experience designing, fabricating, and installing public art in outdoor public spaces.

The selection panel will individually rate each applicant on the following criteria:

• Quality of past work; technical and aesthetic
• Fit of artist’s portfolio with project vision
• The connection between the project and the artist’s creative practice.
• Relevant experience and demonstrated ability to successfully design, fabricate, and install public sculptures of similar scope

Additional Information

• Submitting an application to this RFP does not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
• All artists submitting an application will receive notification of the results of the selection process.
• Application materials will not be returned.

The Ferndale Arts Commission will be hosting an Artist Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, September 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Fringe Brewing, 5640 3rd Ave.

Meet local artists, learn about their creations, and purchase unique gifts for yourself or others.

Featured artists:

Jason LaClair – Indigenous Art   @jason.laclair.946
Káa Sháyee – Indigenous Art  @kaashayee
Colin Molaski – Abstract Modern Painting  @colinmolaski.art
Anna Waschke – Epitaph Assemblages  @ponderingstar
AeroScorpian – Minifigurine Keychains  @ThingsByAeroscorpian

New Orca Mural Completed in Downtown Ferndale

In early 2023, Kevin Lee commissioned artist Káa Sháyee to paint a mural on his Ferndale location car wash. Kevin has owned Kevin’s Car Wash for nine years which is located in Ferndale by the Nooksack river bridge on Main Street. The Ferndale Arts Commission administered the mural project as part of the Downtown Mural Project and both the Arts Commission and Lee contributed funds to the project.

The 43′ wide mural is titled “Ancestral Spirits” and depicts an orca whale and eagle in Tlingit formline style design. Both Káa Sháyee and Lee are enrolled Tlingit Alaska natives. Káa Sháyee originates from Ketchikan, Alaska, and Lee is from Sitka, Alaska. The mural was completed in early July. Káa Sháyee hopes to collaborate with other local Native artists to do additional mural work in the surrounding area.

Lee is currently doing a facelift on this location, including fresh paint, new signage, and additional lighting. Another mural will be added on the opposite end of the building later this summer.

Arts Commission and Downtown Association Partner to Install Youth Art Throughout Downtown

Earlier this month, volunteers with the Arts Commission installed thirty-eight pieces of art designed by Ferndale’s youth onto nineteen garbage bins throughout downtown Ferndale. After months of soliciting original art and hosting an in-person event, the final selections were printed and installed. Funding for the project was provided by the Ferndale Downtown Association.

“This project beautifies downtown, engages with local artists and saves taxpayer dollars by refreshing old garbage cans rather than replacing them,” said Art Commission chair Rebecca Xczar.

Artists were asked to consider “What Does Ferndale Mean to You?” or to utilize a Pacific Northwest Aesthetic. Over 100 designs were received as part of the project.

A complete map of art locations can be found by clicking here. Entrees that were submitted but not chosen are currently being displayed at downtown businesses including the former Lyndale Glass location, Subway, Barb’s Pie and Pastries, Sabor Latino and Uncle Jesse’s Pottery.

CANCELLED! Art in Action is canceled due to no power in the park. We’ll be rescheduling for fall.