The Town of Rolesville is shaking things up with its latest iteration of the Trail Art Design Competition, according to details found on their official website. This year, the competition has a new two-part application process, which may just make things a little fairer for the artisans and creators in the fray.
For starters, artists have until February 10 to throw their hat in the ring—or rather, submit their online applications complete with a portfolio of past work. Optionally, they can include a snapshot of what they'd like to develop specifically for the Trail Art event. Those lucky enough to sail through to round two will not only get the opportunity to showcase their artistry on the greenways, but will also get paid to create their sample submissions. It's a small but significant step to ensure artists are compensated for their craft, rather than to solely risk their time and resources on a maybe.
Selected artists will be notified by February 11, and must send their physical art pieces to the Town Hall or mail them in. Echoing the town's commitment to its creatives, "All artists who are selected for part two will be compensated for their time and materials spent creating the art to submit for Trail Art," according to the Town of Rolesville website. This practical approach towards supporting the arts has got some predictably positive nods from the local art community.
And what's at stake? The winner of this year's competition will be announced on April 1—a date that's definitely no joke for those in contention. As for the art itself, it's destined to become part of the daily scenery for Trail Art month this June, when two art pieces a day will be strategically placed for curious trail-goers to discover and keep. This selection of art will range from "pottery sculptures and glasswork to ceramics or gourds," as per the Town of Rolesville. Gourds, folks. This isn't just an art competition; it's a scavenger hunt with an artistic twist.
The Trail Art initiative has already earned its stripes with an Arts & Humanities Award from the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association back in 2022.
