Call for Artist-Designed Entrance Feature

Noerenberg Gardens is seeking proposals for an artist-designed entry feature to be installed in Fall 2027. Located near the entrance to the parking lot, it will serve as a welcoming landmark. Beyond identifying the gardens, the design should reflect the beauty, history, and distinctive character of the site while inviting curiosity and exploration. 

One proposal will be selected and awarded a $20,000 honorarium to support the design, fabrication, and installation of the piece.  

Site Visit: Sunday, November 8 from 1 – 2:30 pm.   

Application Deadline: December 15, 2026 

CALL FOR ARTIST-DESIGNED ENTRANCE FEATURE 

Noerenberg Gardens is seeking proposals for an artist-designed entry feature to be installed in fall 2027. Located near the entrance to the parking lot, it will serve as a welcoming landmark. Beyond identifying the gardens, the design should reflect the beauty, history, and distinctive character of the site while inviting curiosity and exploration. 

One proposal will be selected and awarded a $20,000 honorarium to support the design, fabrication, and installation of the piece.  

Site Visit: Sunday, November 8 from 1 – 2:30 pm.   

Application Deadline: December 15, 2026 

ABOUT NOERENBERG GARDENS 

Located along Crystal Bay on Lake Minnetonka, Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is celebrated for its peaceful setting and stunning beauty. Considered one of Minnesota’s finest formal gardens, it features a diverse collection of flowers, trees, shrubs, and vines, including ornamental shade trees, conifers, and “Northern Lights” azaleas. 

Grain Belt Brewery founder Frederick Noerenberg and his family established their Lak Minnetonka estate in 1890, creating gardens inspired by the English Landscape Style. The grounds featured manicured lawns, rose gardens and natural specimens collected during their travels. Their daughter, Lora Noerenberg Hoppe, served as the gardens’ chief horticulturist for many years. Upon her death in 1972, she donated the estate to the Park District, requesting that the home be removed and the grounds preserved as a public garden. 

Learn more about Noerenberg Gardens: https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/noerenberg-gardens 

ELIGIBILITY 

Artists 18 years of age or older who primarily live or work in the Midwest are invited to submit proposals. 

GUIDELINES  

Individual artists and artist teams may submit proposals. Designs must be suitable for long-term outdoor installation and constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials. Materials and installation methods must not negatively impact the surrounding natural habitat, wildlife or park visitors. Religious or political content is not permitted. Additional documentation may be requested during the review process. 

Maximum height: 8 feet. 

Maximum face area: 32 square feet. 

The piece should include the words "Noerenberg Gardens." No additional text is permitted. 

The piece must not extend into the public right-of-way. The existing fence line marks the right-of-way boundary. 

The selected artist will be required to provide schematic drawings for review as part of the City of Orono permitting process. 

SELECTION CRITERIA 

A selection panel that includes Park District staff will review submissions and select one proposal. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit, connection to the site, feasibility, budget, and the artist's demonstrated ability to complete the project. Durability, maintenance requirements, and suitability for Minnesota's climate will also be considered. 

Designs should reflect the history, landscape, and distinctive character of Noerenberg Gardens while balancing artistic expression with function as a welcoming and recognizable entrance feature. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the gardens' existing ironwork, architectural details and prominent materials, including wood, concrete and iron. Original, site-specific designs are strongly encouraged. 

BUDGET  

The selected artist or artist team will receive a $20,000 honorarium to cover all expenses associated with the design, fabrication, transportation and installation of the piece. Applicants must submit an itemized budget that accounts for all anticipated project costs, including artist fees, materials, fabrication and installation. 

INSTALLATION 

Work is to be installed in September 2027. Costs related to transport and installation of the work will be the responsibility of the artist unless otherwise stipulated. Limited assistance and equipment from the Park District's maintenance department may be available on a case-by-case basis. Upon installation, Park District will assume liability for damage or theft of the artwork. 

DURATION 

The piece is intended to remain on display for a minimum of 20 years. Artists should consider long-term durability, maintenance requirements, and exposure to Minnesota's seasonal weather conditions when developing their proposals. The Park District reserves the right to repair, relocate, or remove the sign if circumstances require. 

SITE VISIT 

Join us on Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 1 – 2:30 pm to ask questions about your proposal and learn about Noerenberg Gardens. Please RSVP to eileen.cohen@threeriversparks.org. 

APPLICATION MATERIALS 

Deadline: December 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time 

Applications must include the following materials. Please include your first and last name on each document. 

Resume or Bio: Maximum 2 pages. 

Proposal: Provide a clear description of your proposed piece, including its design, materials, connection to Noerenberg Gardens, and anticipated visitor experience. Include a rendering or visual representation of the proposed design within the proposal or as one of your 10 submitted images. 

Budget: Maximum 1 page. Include an itemized budget covering artist fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and other anticipated expenses. 

Work Samples: Submit up to 10 images demonstrating your artistic approach and ability to complete a project of this scope. Multiple views and details are permitted. Images may include a rendering of the proposed sign.  

Image List: Include the title, materials, dimensions, year completed, and an optional brief description for each work sample. 

CALENDAR 

Site Visit: Sunday, November 8 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm at Noerenberg Gardens 

Submission Deadline: Deadline: December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time 

Artist Notification: February 15, 2027 

NOTIFICATION 

You will be notified by email of application status by February 15, 2027.  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 

For further information about the park or prospectus, please contact Eileen Cohen at eileen.cohen@threeriversparks.org or 763-694-2091. 

Applications must include the following materials. Please include your first and last name on each document. 

Resume or Bio: Maximum 2 pages. 

Proposal: Provide a clear description of your proposed piece, including its design, materials, connection to Noerenberg Gardens, and anticipated visitor experience. Include a rendering or visual representation of the proposed design within the proposal or as one of your 10 submitted images. 

Budget: Maximum 1 page. Include an itemized budget covering artist fees, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and other anticipated expenses. 

Work Samples: Submit up to 10 images demonstrating your artistic approach and ability to complete a project of this scope. Multiple views and details are permitted. Images may include a rendering of the proposed sign.  

Image List: Include the title, materials, dimensions, year completed, and an optional brief description for each work sample.

Artists 18 years of age or older who primarily live or work in the Midwest are invited to submit proposals.