2026-27 Dexter Art Gardens Temporary Sculpture Display

The “Dexter Art Gardens” is an annual outdoor sculpture exhibition sponsored by the Dexter Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee and the City of Dexter. Five (5) temporary outdoor sculptures will be juried and placed on temporary display with the City’s permanent collection for one (1) year: June 2026 – May 2027.  The selected pieces will be installed on concrete pads in highly trafficked locations in historic Dexter, Michigan. Artists may submit up to three sculptures for consideration. Entries must be free-standing and durable for year-round outdoor display. Pieces must be able to be secured to a concrete pad. Each selected artist will receive a $1,000 stipend following installation. IMPORTANT: Please do not submit non-sculpture work (ex. written media). You will not be considered.

The “Dexter Art Gardens” is an annual outdoor artwork exhibition sponsored by the Dexter Arts, Culture & Heritage Committee and the City of Dexter. Five (5) temporary outdoor artworks will be juried and placed on temporary display with the City’s permanent collection for one (1) year: June 2026 – May 2027.  The selected pieces will be installed on concrete pads in highly trafficked locations in historic Dexter, Michigan.

Community Description

The City of Dexter is located seven miles west of Ann Arbor in Southeast Michigan, along the banks of the Huron River and Mill Creek. Residents and visitors can enjoy a day on a river, walk along nature trails, or bike on the Washtenaw County Border-to-Border Trail, stopping in our historic downtown for lunch and some shopping. Cultural activities and attractions include an artwork display, local theater, historical museum, summer concerts, ice skating in the winter, community festivals and several City parks.

Artist Stipend

• Each selected artist will receive an $1,000 stipend.

Definition of Artwork in this Call for Art

• Three-dimensional artwork suitable in scale and materials for public outdoor display. Please do not submit artwork that is printed on paper. Artwork needs to be able to endure rain, snow, and or precipitation throughout the year.

Application and Project Timeline

• December 15, 2025 – Application period opens
• February 25, 2026 - Deadline for application submissions.
• Week of March 23, 2026 - Artist notification of selection by email or phone.
• June 1 – June 15, 2026 - Artwork installation.
• May 15 – May 31, 2027 - Artwork removal appointments to be made during this time.

Benefits to the Exhibiting Artist

• $1,000 stipend to be paid after successful installation.
• Artwork exhibited at high visibility sites in the heart of Dexter, a cultural destination city in Southeast Michigan
• A plaque with the artist’s name, artwork title and price posted near the artwork.
• A year-long promotional campaign
• Print brochures - The City of Dexter will publish and make available to the public: online and print brochures throughout the year to inspire self-guided walking tours of the exhibition. These brochures are also distributed during the well-known and highly-attended annual Dexter Summer Festival and Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival (August 2026, if permitted).
• Electronic media – The City of Dexter will publish information about the artist/artworks on its website and Facebook page.

Submission Procedure

• “Dexter Art Gardens” is open to all artists 18 years of age and older.
• Artist may submit up to three (3) original artworks.
• Complete Applications - Applications, and all requested information, must be complete in full. The City of Dexter may, at its discretion, disqualify any incomplete application.
• Applications may be submitted through CaFE™
• Applications may also be submitted in hard-copy to the City of Dexter, 3515 Broad Street, Dexter, MI 48130 or via e-mail to JTanghe@Dextermi.gov, include Dexter Art Gardens in the e-mail subject line.

See above.

Must be over the age of 18 and capable of installing the art on-site.