Event History
Founded in 2014 the trail has grown adding new sites covering high-traffic areas covering the University of Mississippi campus, the University of Mississippi Museum, a public park, and location in the downtown historic square
What Makes this event different?
The project connects students in the sculpture program at the University of Mississippi and the Museum with artists producing new works
Image Usage Rights
Images submitted are for jury and selection process only
CALL TO ARTISTS FOR OUTDOOR SCULPTURE
All works must be original and completed within the last five years by artists 18 and older.
Application Submission Deadline: Monday, January 23, 2023
Application Fee: No Entry Fee
The City of Oxford, The University of Mississippi and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council announce the 2023 prospectus of the outdoor sculpture program throughout the area of Oxford, Mississippi. The collaborative program, called the Yokna Sculpture Trail, provides between 15 and 20 large-scale sculptures throughout the local campus and community. The program selects approximately half its exhibition annually which then rotates on a staggered two year exhibition schedule. The 2023 call for entries welcomes submissions from locally, regionally and nationally exhibiting artists.
Exhibition locations:
Pat Lamar Park - Lamar Park is designed as an outdoor arboretum to be enjoyed for its greenery, lovely walking trails, garden features, and quiet lakes. The mission and use of the park is to enhance the lives of its patrons through quiet outdoor pursuits with focus on individual or family activities and enjoyment.
Powerhouse Sculpture Garden – This garden offers four large pads for outdoor sculpture. It is located just off the Square in downtown Oxford. The garden is positioned outside Oxford’s historic Powerhouse Community Arts Center which is home to the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. The Building was originally built in 1928 as the city’s main power supply until 1952 when TVA replaced it as the main source of power for the area. In 2008 the old power plant became the Powerhouse Community Arts Center, and it is now the home of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. It now serves as an integral venue for theater and art classes, performances, and community events.
UM Sculpture Park – This park is located in the heart of The University of Mississippi’s campus which is renowned for its beautifully landscaped gardens and greenery. The campus draws a student population of around 15,000 annually and continues to grow with each passing year. The campus site offers three sculpture pads in a large triangular shaped courtyard directly in front of Meek Hall which is home to the Department of Art and Art History.
The University of Mississippi Museum – The University of Mississippi Museum serves as a cultural and educational hub for the University and Oxford communities. It boasts collections that include Southern folk art, Greek and Roman antiquities, American fine art, 19th century scientific instruments, the Walton-Young Historic House and William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak. The museum site offers three sculpture pads located in front of the main museum complex at the western entrance to the University of Mississippi campus.
Selection Process
The selection committee is composed of representatives from The City of Oxford, The University of Mississippi, The University of Mississippi Museum and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. This committee will make exhibition selections from the submitted digital entries. The committee will also select the location for installation of each sculpture.
Schedule
January 23, 2023 – Application Submission Deadline (No Fee $0)
February 7, 2023 – YST notice of acceptance by email
February 15, 2023 – Artist’s deadline for acceptance of YST invitation by email
March 1 - April 15, 2023 – Installation of works contracted for 2020-2022 (by appointment only)
March 11 - March 23, 2023 – Tentative crane installation window. (by appointment only)
April 15, 2023 – March 1, 2023 – Exhibition Dates
Late April, 2023 – Tentative Yokna Sculpture Trail reception.
March 1 - April 1, 2025 – Removal of works contracted for 2022-2024 (by appointment only
