The Annual Rosen Sculpture Competition is opening this month for artists to craft three-dimensional concepts for installation on App State’s campus along with the opportunity for cash prizes. 

The nationally recognized Rosen Sculpture Competition and Exhibition has adorned campus with contemporary American sculpture for the last 36 years and is presented annually by An Appalachian Summer Festival and The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. This tradition encourages artists to exercise their creativity and explore different concepts and mediums as they shape an eclectic array of contemporary sculptures, according to the Turchin Center’s website. 

The call for entries for the 37th annual competition is open from Jan. 17-Feb. 28 and is open to an array of artists including professional, amateur, student currently residing in the U.S. who are 18 years old or older. Ten completed works will be chosen for installation on campus. All artists whose works are installed will receive a token payment for their works showcased and the top three artists will receive additional cash prizes: $3,500 for first place, $2,500 for second place and $1,500 for third place. For competition guidelines, entry procedures and additional program info visit the Turchin Center’s website. 

Selected sculptures will be installed in May. On July 15 art enthusiasts are invited to attend the Annual “Rosen Sculpture Walk with the Juror” which consists of an informative tour and announcement of the winners. 

This year’s competition will be judged by Jennifer Hecker. Hecker is a professor in the Department of Art at the State University of New York College at Brockport. Hecker has a broad and diverse exhibition history and has won several awards of her own. Those curious to learn more about her craft can visit her website. 

Last year’s winning sculpture “Divergent” was created by sculptor Andrew Light from Lexington, Kentucky. Light’s sculpture took on an abstract figuration intended to mimic a “momentary gesture in a static object.” His piece is showcased outside of Walker Hall and can be found on the Turchin Center website.  

The competition is made possible by support of the Martin and Doris Rosen Giving Fund, Debbie Rosen Davidson and David Rosen, and the Charles and Nancy Rosenblatt Foundation.