DAVIS COUNTY -- Like anyone getting ready to make an appearance, the new addition to the Davis Conference Center is looking for something beautiful to help make a good first impression. In conjunction with the opening of the addition, the conference center is currently looking for artists interested in submitting qualifications to create a major art piece for the center. All artists and art teams prepared for such a project are welcome to submit their qualifications, which need to be in by 2 p.m. on Feb. 25 in order to be considered. "There's a large, blank wall that would just be great for something like this," said Barry Burton, Davis County Community and Economic Development. The wall is 70 feet wide by 18 feet high.

"It could end up being a real showpiece for the conference center."

Artist qualifications will be evaluated on creativity, knowledge of materials and a demonstrated ability to construct a major art piece.

Submittals can be in hard copy or electronic format and should include examples of the artist's work, particularly any extremely large pieces.

Those who qualify will be asked to submit a proposal for the piece that could be either two or three dimensional, single or multimedia.

The total budget for the art piece will be $50,000, and the final work must be completed and installed by Sept. 1 so it can be unveiled at the Davis County fund-raising gala this fall. Artists who are deemed qualified will be expected to attend an organized site visit prior to submitting a proposal.

Qualification submissions should be sent to Davis County C.E.D., 28 E. State Street in Farmington or e-mailed to Burton at barry@co.davis.ut.us. For more information, please contact Burton at 451-3279.

jwardell@davisclipper.com