Five Brookside Gardens flamingos are going to the Children’s Garden “incognito” as native species - a cardinal, oriole, goldfinch, eastern bluebird, and ruby-throated hummingbird. But they need your help creating the new feathers for their “disguise.” The flamingos are five flat metal sculptures, approximately 7-8 feet tall, that function as plant holders.

 

Brookside Gardens is commissioning local artists to use their imagination and creativity to paint the flamingos for display in the Children’s Garden.

 

Up to 5 artists will be selected to paint both sides of the flamingos. Artists will receive a fee of $350 per flamingo. This includes the cost of paint and supplies. Artists are required to use U-V resistant paint that will withstand the elements of an outdoor installation for at least five years.

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Key Dates:

Application deadline: May 2

Commissions awarded: May 9

Artwork Completed: June 6

 

Eligibility: All artists who reside or work in Montgomery County, MD 

 

Submission Requirements: 

1. Use the Google Form: https://forms.gle/3tAt4Lqc6xxr1m7e6

2. Resume or biography (not to exceed 2 sides of one page)

3. Up to 5 examples of past artwork that best represent the artist’s style & abilities.

4. Up to 3 designs for how the flamingo sculpture will be painted. (use form template)

 

Selection/Implementation Process:

• Selection of artists will be made by Brookside Gardens.

• Artists will receive one-half of their commission at the time of selection.

• Artists will pick up their sculpture at Brookside Gardens and have until June 6 to return the completed artwork.

• Artists will receive the balance of their commission upon delivery of completed artwork.

• Brookside Gardens will install and maintain the sculptures.

• The installation will remain in place from 2025-2030.. 

 

Art is part of the Brookside Gardens mission, from exhibits at the Visitors' Center and Conservatory to public art installations in the gardens. Brookside Gardens is Montgomery County’s award-winning 50-acre public garden within Wheaton Regional Park. View Map