Bethlehem district wants to take art to the edge

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem's SouthSide Arts District is taking its art to the edge — the edge of the city, that is.

The district has joined with the city and Wawa stores to create what it calls a "Gateway sign" — "a vibrant public art piece that enhances the entrance between Route 412 and SouthSide downtown," according to the district.

Wawa, an east coast convenience store and gas station company, has constructed a new project site at its new store at 770 Hellertown Road in Bethlehem.

SouthSide Arts District is inviting artists to submit proposals for the art piece. The deadline is Sept. 30.

The selected artist is expected to be announced Oct. 28, with installation and unveiling set for spring 2025.

Images of work also may be used in publicity for the City of Bethlehem as a part of the SouthSide Arts District.

The selected artist or artist group will get $10,000 to cover the purchase of materials, insurances and licenses needed for the project (materials, construction, etc.).

In addition, there will be a $10,000 payment upon final completion and installation of the piece.

The artist will construct the piece offsite and transport the completed work and install it to the concrete pad.

The city will take care of all required permits and costs associated with them, as well as be a partner to the artist "to provide help, guidance and manage the execution of the project to ensure it is completed," the application says.

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Bethlehem SouthSide Arts District

'Gateway to South Bethlehem'

South Bethlehem’s downtown core area, known as the SouthSide Arts District, was formally organized in 2015.

The district’s role "is to create and preserve the aesthetic and vibrant physical assets of the Downtown district. One way this goal is achieved is by adding new and innovative public art work to South Bethlehem," the application page says.

Bethlehem completed a comprehensive "wayfinding" program several years ago that includes ways to direct both vehicles and pedestrians, as well as a plan for "appropriate gateway signage locations."

"The Route 412 corridor is a significant gateway to South Bethlehem and the SouthSide Arts District," the application says.

"In keeping with the public art mission of the Arts District, this project will involve the submission and review of artist proposals for gateway signage at the southern end of the Wawa location.

"Don't miss this chance to showcase your talent and enrich our community!"

Project details

The concrete pad is 10 by 15 feet and the sign will be ground mounted and is not to exceed 6 feet tall, but will be "easily readable as an entryway sign," the application says.

"This project seeks to enhance the gateway between the Route 412 corridor and the SouthSide downtown," it says.

It says public art projects previously been installed or currently planned create the following results:

• Create a low maintenance, inviting and attractive entry point to south Bethlehem
• Encourage resident and tourist exploration of the community
• Increase community pride
• Enhance the identity of south Bethlehem as a premier arts district in our region

Artists are asked to submit for consideration:

• Five images of your previous works (PNG, JPG, TIFF, PDF formats accepted)
• Conceptual design proposal or initial design rendering
• Artist Statement (200 words or less)
• A detailed budget and list of materials needed
• Estimated timeline for project installation
• A detailed plan for the long-term preservation of the completed work

All applications and designs will be reviewed by a four-person panel of a qualified representative of South Bethlehem, a representative of the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission, a representative from the Wawa corporation and the landowner.

The panel will make the final selection of the artist based on a proposed theme, originality, creativity, artistic merit, functionality, relevancy to installation site, public safety, durability in an outdoor setting, maintenance and associated project costs.