The Connecticut River Artisan Group (CRAG) Sculpture Walk project is a multi-year effort headed up by the CRAG Sculpture Committee to acquire outdoor sculptures for display on the grounds of the Great North Woods Center for the Arts (GNWCA) in Columbia, New Hampshire. This public art project began in 2020 with the acquisition and installation of three sculptures by local artists and the inauguration of an annual CRAG Sculpture Competition – an open call for sculptural design submittals with a competitive selection process.
Our vision is to create and gradually expand a serene public venue featuring sculptural artworks by regional artists on the grounds of the GNWCA. CRAG eagerly anticipates new acquisitions in the coming years, through the annual Sculpture Competition and through private donations as this exciting and unique North Country public arts project continues to grow.
2026 Annual Sculpture Competition
OPEN CALL: Request for Proposals for inclusion in CRAG’s Sculpture Walk at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts (GNWCA)
Media Requirements: Submissions must be at least 3’ in height and be designed for outdoor display. All media that can withstand Northern New Hampshire weather extremes is admissible.
Submission Requirements:
Cover Letter describing submission proposal
3 to 5 images of proposed submission
Artist resume including biography, educational background and exhibition history
Entries Due Date: Submission must be received no later than March 31, 2026
Notification to artists: Artists will be notified by April 15, 2026
InstallationTimeline: This will be decided by the artist and committee with a target date of midsummer. An opening reception and possible artist talk will also be decided in consultation with the artist.
Accepted work: Artist must deliver the piece in accordance with the timeline provided above and have the ability to install the sculpture with assistance from CRAG members. The winning sculpture will be displayed permanently outdoors along the CRAG Sculpture Walk located on the grounds of the GNWCA in Columbia, NH. The installation site will be determined by CRAG with input from the sculptor. Existing sculptures and more than one submission from the sculptor are acceptable and encouraged.
Prize: $3000 payable to the artist on delivery and installation of the work.
Jurors: A specially appointed committee of four CRAG board members will be responsible for choosing the winning sculpture.
Contact: Proposals should be emailed to Michele Johnsen at art@michelejohnsen.com. For questions please contact Bette Guerin at info@fiddleheadsusa.com, Deborah Sargent at mayflowermandalas@gmail.com, Nancy Smith at trailsend092@gmail.com or Michele Johnsen at art@michelejohnsen.com.
You can find out more about CRAG at our website: ConnecticutRiverArtisans.com, and about the Great North Woods Center for the Arts at gnwca.org
