Artist To Create $500K Proposed Sculpture Sought Nationwide

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Arts Council has put a national callout for the design of a $500,000 public art sculpture to be placed at the new Elkridge Community & 50+ Center.

"This is one of the region’s most significant public art commissions, and the selected artist will help shape a landmark for a rapidly growing community," said Ann Berchtold, director of public art and placemaking for Howard County.

The national request for qualifications (RFQ) went out this week for an artist to design, fabricate and install the signature public art sculpture. The commission is funded at $500,000, making it one of the most significant public art opportunities in the region, Berchtold noted.

Artists are invited to propose work that reflects the character, heritage and spirit of the Elkridge community. Residents have expressed ideas for the project, including the following themes:

• Elkridge’s hard-working identity and community pride
• Industrial, river, and railroad history
• Diversity, inclusion, and storytelling
• A unifying symbol and welcoming gathering place
• Interactive or educational elements for families
• A bold, visible landmark that represents “the whole Elkridge”

Project timeline

• RFQ Release: December 8, 2025
• Questions Due: December 20, 2025
• Submissions Due: January 20, 2026, by 5 p.m. ET
• Shortlist Announcement: March 2026
• Concept Development: May–July 2026
• Community Reveal: August 2026
• Final Artist Selection: September 2026
• Fabrication: January–December 2027
• Installation: Q1 2028

Shortlisted artists will receive a $2,500 stipend to develop conceptual proposals and participate in community presentations.

Submission details

Artists must submit a single PDF containing a letter of interest, resume/CV, portfolio and references. Optional materials such as preliminary concepts or community engagement plans may be included.

Submissions must be uploaded to the RFQ portal found here.