22 June, 2012
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking artists to paint wildlife and landscape scenes on more than 100 Iron Rangers, the metal donation containers located in state parks across the Commonwealth.
The 42-inch-high steel containers are designed to accept financial contributions from park users, which directly benefit the state parks system through the Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust. The artist program, now in its seventh year, is open to the public.
Submissions are due by June 25, 2012, and will be juried by members of DCR’s Design Committee. Selected artists will be notified by June 28, 2012, and the work must be completed by September 24, 2012. Submissions should be sent to Sharon Hoey, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Suite 600, 251 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02114.
Submissions must include a color design, a written description of the design, and the location of the Iron Ranger the artist wants to paint. Artists must also include their resume or name, address, and information on their art background, as well as a daytime phone number.
“This program is an important part of DCR’s larger effort to improve park service and enhance the visitors’ experience while promoting partnerships in the parks,” said DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert. “The Iron Ranger facilitates contributions to the Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust, highlighting DCR’s message of ‘It’s Your Nature’.”
The 170 Iron Rangers in 111 properties across the state collect donations made by many of the more than 30 million people who visit the state parks, beaches, and forests in Massachusetts each year. These Iron Rangers generate approximately $19,000 annually, which helps fund educational programs and conservation projects in the parks. When painted, the Iron Rangers attract further attention and patrons contribute more generously. In some cases, donations have more than doubled over the previous year after an Iron Ranger has been painted.
The Iron Ranger Painting Program provides an opportunity for artists to display their work in a DCR park while enhancing the look of the Iron Rangers, and the park itself. Although artists are not paid for their work, they are invited to sign the back of the Iron Ranger and leave business cards and brochures with the property supervisor or district manager for distribution upon request.
DCR will supply the paint, and paintings will be done on-site. The Iron Rangers will be cleaned by DCR staff members before the painting. The containers will need two primer coats, one base coat, and two finish coats.
The Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust, established by the Legislature, receive contributions that are used to advance the recreation and conservation interests of the Commonwealth. The Trusts provide a way for individuals, businesses, and foundations to contribute directly to the recreational and conservation interests of Massachusetts. The tax-deductible contributions can be designated for a particular park or parks, or for a program of the donor’s choice.
For more information on the artists program, visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/trust/IronRangerCall.htm
