Delaware County’s Bison-tennial Public Art Project Begins

The bison will reside in Gearbox until its permanent installation in Tuhey Park. Photo provided.The bison will reside in Gearbox until its permanent installation in Tuhey Park. Photo provided.

Muncie, IN —In the spirit of Living United in celebration of Indiana’s bicentennial, the Indiana Association of United Ways is partnering with the Indiana Bicentennial Commission to bring the Bison-tennial Public Art Project to participating Indiana communities. United Way of Delaware County, in partnership with the Muncie Arts & Culture Council (MACC), is proud to spearhead the Bison-tennial project in Delaware County.

Indiana Association of United Ways is partnering with the Indiana Bicentennial Commission to bring a Bison-tennial public art project to participating Indiana Communities.

This officially endorsed legacy project aims to celebrate Indiana’s rich and diverse history and unique features through the state’s symbol, the bison. Thanks to bicentennial celebration funding, United Way of Delaware County is excited to announce that our 5-foot-tall fiberglass bison has arrived! The Delaware County Bison is currently on display at GearBox for potential artists to view during First Thursday events and by appointment.

The bison will reside in Gearbox until its permanent installation in Tuhey Park. Photo provided.

The bison will reside in Gearbox until its permanent installation in Tuhey Park. Photo provided.

“The bison has already brought people together in an exciting way. We have convened a great committee with Nancy Carlson, Sherri Contos and Kelly Shrock,” says Jenni Marsh, President and CEO, United Way of Delaware County. “These leaders have already brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the project. We can’t wait to see what the artists propose!”

With artist selection completed by May 13, 2016 (artists see below for application information), it is anticipated that the completed bison will be on display by late summer. The bison will be displayed in various locations throughout the county, as well as along the official Bicentennial Torch Relay Route before permanent installation in Tuhey Park.

Learn more about the Bison-tennial at invitedtoliveunited.org/bison-tennial. Use the hashtag #DelCoBison to share bison sightings and design progress on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

Artists

United Way of Delaware County and MACC invite professional and amateur artists, art classes, nonprofit arts organizations and others to submit proposals to serve as the Bison-tennial artist for Delaware County. Applicants will ideally reside in or have a connection to Delaware County. The deadline for submissions is April 11, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Submissions must be received electronically. An artist will be selected by MACC Public Art Committee by May 13, 2016. The Muncie Arts & Culture Council reserves the right to select the artist. Learn more and download the application at invitedtoliveunited.org/bison-tennial.

 

About United Way of Delaware County

United Way of Delaware County, Indiana engages the community to improve lives by focusing resources on education, income and health. It also works to create lasting change in community conditions. Learn more at invitedtoliveunited.org.