Call for Common Snapping Turtle Sculpture at Phinizy Nature Park

"Snappy" – Common Snapping Turtle Sculpture

The Greater Augusta Arts Council, on behalf of the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, seeks proposals from qualified sculptors or artist teams to create "Snappy," a durable, low-maintenance, safe-to-touch sculpture of a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) for the Beaver Trail (33°23'25.0"N, 81°58'03.6"W). This commission will become the sixth permanent sculpture in Phinizy's growing sculpture trail, celebrating Georgia's native wildlife while supporting the Center's mission of environmental education and conservation. A $9,500 stipend covers all project costs, including design, fabrication, transportation, insurance, installation, and site preparation.

Proposals are due September 25, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. (ET). Selected artists will be notified by October 19, 2026, with installation required by February 28, 2027. Artists may submit up to five proposals, one concept per application. 

"Snappy" – Common Snapping Turtle Sculpture located at Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park

The Greater Augusta Arts Council, on behalf of the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, is requesting proposals from qualified sculptors or artist teams to create a unique, durable, low-maintenance, safe-to-touch sculpture titled "Snappy." The sculpture will depict a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and will be installed along the Beaver Trail within the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park.

Artists are invited to create an original sculpture that celebrates one of Georgia's most iconic freshwater reptiles while inspiring curiosity about the wetlands, wildlife, and waterways of the Savannah River Basin. The work should serve as both a destination and educational landmark, encouraging visitors to engage with the surrounding natural environment. While the sculpture should be recognizable as a Common Snapping Turtle, artists are encouraged to interpret the subject creatively and develop a work that complements the park's mission of environmental education and conservation.

The GIS coordinates for the sculpture site are 33°23'25.0"N, 81°58'03.6"W.

Every artist who applies for this call is strongly encouraged to research the mission, educational programs, and conservation efforts of the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park. More information can be found on the Phinizy Center website.

Selected artists will receive a $9,500 stipend to cover all expenses associated with the design, engineering (if required), fabrication, transportation, insurance, installation, site preparation, and any other costs associated with the completion of the sculpture.

Installation Deadline: No later than February 28, 2027.

Artists may submit up to five (5) separate proposals. Each application must contain only one sculpture concept. Applications containing multiple concepts within a single submission will be disqualified.

About Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park

The Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to watershed research, environmental education, and conservation. Located on more than 1,100 acres of wetlands, forests, and trails, the Center welcomes thousands of visitors each year to experience the diverse ecosystems of the Savannah River Basin. Through education, scientific research, and public engagement, the Phinizy Center fosters a greater understanding of the region's natural resources and the importance of protecting them for future generations.

Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia, is the third-largest city in the state, with approximately 200,000 residents and a metropolitan population of nearly 500,000 spanning both Georgia and South Carolina. Located along the Savannah River, Augusta is known for its rich history, vibrant arts community, and abundance of parks and natural areas.

The climate ranges from average winter temperatures in the mid-40s to average summer temperatures in the low 80s, with periods of extreme heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, and occasional tropical storm conditions. Outdoor sculptures must be designed to withstand these environmental conditions with minimal maintenance for at least twenty years.

Georgia Rehabilitation Institute

This sculpture commission is made possible through funding provided by the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. GRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and older adults throughout the Central Savannah River Area. Through its support of accessible public art, GRI helps bring meaningful cultural experiences into outdoor public spaces where everyone can enjoy them.

The Site

This commission will become the sixth permanent sculptural installation at the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, further expanding the park's growing sculpture trail. The trail integrates public art with nature, creating opportunities for visitors to experience wildlife, conservation, and environmental education through artistic interpretation.

The sculpture will be located along the Beaver Trail, one of the park's popular walking paths, where visitors experience wetlands, native wildlife, and scenic views throughout the year. The selected artwork should complement the surrounding landscape while serving as a memorable destination for visitors of all ages.

The precise location is nestled along the forest line adjacent to the Beaver Trail between Butler Creek and the Mayoral Pond. Nearby is a bridge path and outdoor classroom that is utilized by student groups of varying ages. Vehicles can traverse this path fully. 

The sculpture may be secured using 40-inch earth anchors installed through the base or feet of the artwork. A concrete pad is not required for installation. If an artist determines that a concrete pad is necessary for their design, the artist will be responsible for all costs associated with its fabrication and installation, and those expenses must be included within and deducted from the project's overall budget.

Selection

All proposals will be reviewed by representatives of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the Public Art Advisory Panel, the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park, and Georgia Rehabilitation Institute.

The highest-scoring proposal will be offered the commission. Should the selected artist decline or contract negotiations prove unsuccessful, the commission may be offered to another finalist.

Selection criteria include:

• Qualifications and experience creating outdoor public sculpture
• Quality and originality of the proposed design
• Artistic excellence demonstrated through previous work
• Suitability of the proposal for the site and the educational mission of the Phinizy Center
• Durability and safety of proposed materials
• Feasibility of the project within the stated budget and timeline
• Professional references
• Clear installation plan

Eligibility

This Request for Proposals is open to professional sculptors and artist teams residing in the Southeastern United States. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Sculpture Requirements

The selected proposal should meet the following minimum requirements:

• Depict a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
• Approximately 8 to 10 feet long and 6 to 8 ft wide.
• Suitable for permanent outdoor installation
• Constructed of durable materials such as steel, stainless steel, bronze, stone, concrete, or other weather-resistant materials
• Structurally sound and designed for minimal maintenance
• Safe for pedestrian interaction without creating climbing hazards or injury risks
• Able to withstand Augusta's climate, including heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, occasional flooding, and severe weather
• Designed with an anticipated lifespan of at least 20 years
• Appropriate for visitors of all ages and abilities

General Information

Installation

The selected artist is responsible for transportation, delivery, site preparation, and installation of the sculpture. Any required foundations, concrete pads, equipment rentals, permits, engineering, or associated installation costs are the responsibility of the artist unless otherwise approved in writing by the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

Payment

The selected artist will receive a commission of $9,500, distributed as follows:

• First Payment: $3,165 upon execution of the contract.
• Second Payment: $3,165 upon satisfactory demonstration of fabrication progress at a mutually agreed milestone.
• Final Payment: $3,170 upon successful installation and final acceptance of the completed sculpture.

Schedule

RFP Available: July 2026

Submission Deadline: September 25, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. (ET)

Proposal Review: Late September–October 2026

Notification to Selected Artist: October 19, 2026

Contract Process: October 2026

Fabrication Period: October 2026 – February 2027

Installation Deadline: No later than February 28, 2027

Application Requirements:

Required to include from Café Portfolio: 5-10 images of past work.

• Artist resume
• Image of sculpture proposal in PDF or JPG format
• Description of proposal
• Installation plan
• Project budget
• Professional references

Eligibility:

This request for proposals is open to all professional sculptors and artist teams.  All members of any team that applies must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the Southeastern Region of the United States.