The Mississippi Department of Transportation wants local artists to have a lasting impression on the new Biloxi Bay Bridge.
MDOT is seeking artist renderings that will be transferred to bronze plaques that will line the decorative railing on the south side of the pedestrian lane along with one-tenth mile markers.
The plaques will be produced from nearly 8,000 pounds of bronze bearing plates that were recovered after Hurricane Katrina’s destruction of the Biloxi Bay Bridge.
MDOT plans to formally announce the art contest Friday morning at 10 during a press conference at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center in Ocean Springs.
The transportation agency has commissioned craftsman Greg Moran to transform two-dimensional contour line drawings into three-dimensional bronze plaques.
“MDOT is pleased that once again an independent panel appointed by the Mississippi Arts Commission will review all artists’ submissions and select 18 pieces to enhance the pedestrian walkway of this beautiful bridge,” said MDOT Southern District Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown. “This contest helps promote the unique artistic community of the Gulf Coast, and we hope to see many more entries submitted in the coming weeks.”
A $500 award will be offered for each selected drawing. The submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. Artwork will be accepted at two locations:
—Biloxi: Ohr- O’Keefe Museum of Art, 1596 Glenn L. Swetman Drive (Hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; phone 228-374-5547).
—Ocean Springs: Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St. (Hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30; phone 228-818-2886).
Submission requirements — no exceptions — are:
1. Artist must be a current resident of Jackson or Harrison County and be at least 16 years of age.
2. Artist may submit up to five pieces of work.
3. Artist’s name will not appear on submissions. Signed pieces will be disqualified.
4. Works are to be an original contour line drawing no larger than 16″ H x 22″W on 80# or heavier sketch paper that measures 18″H x 24″W (this will be the size of the finished plaque). The drawing is to be done in pen or pencil only; no color or shading.
5. All contact information is to be written on the entry form (available at www.gomdot.com) and will be inserted into a self-addressed, stamped envelope and attached to the drawing. There will be one entry form and envelope per drawing. Please do not seal envelopes.
Artists will be notified by mail (postmarked no later than Oct. 26).
