Rocky on Parade

Rocky on Parade Artists

We invite you to submit your drawings for a chance to design a larger-than-life bulldog! Entries are due by April 1, 2024.

What is Rocky on Parade?

Imagine a “pack” of larger-than-life fiberglass bulldog sculptures, designed and created by regional artists, on long-term public display. While the base form of each bulldog sculpture will remain the same, each bulldog will have a unique design. Rocky on Parade is a public art project that salutes the University’s traditions, celebrates the unity of campus and community, contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life of the Macomb community, and supports student scholarships.

Call for Entries

Rocky on Parade invites artists to submit 2 designs for their chance to decorate a bulldog that will later be placed on public display. Each sculpture -“wearing” nothing but factory- applied primer - awaits an artist’s creative vision to transform it into a vibrant work of art. There is no cost associated with submitting an entry for consideration.

Benefits of Participating

  • This project will provide optimum exposure for the artist’s work.
  • The artists will garner media attention throughout the state and beyond.
  • Each selected artist will be featured on all Rocky on Parade marketing materials, including online at wiu.edu/rockyonparade with a link to the artist’s website and/or Facebook page.
  • Each Rocky on Parade bulldog will have a plaque attached to the base acknowledging the artist who created the sculpture.

Timeline

  • February 5, 2024: Artist invitations released
  • April 1, 2024: Artists submission due
  • April 12, 2024: Review of all submissions by the Rocky on Parade committee
  • April 23, 2024: Artist draft
  • April 29, 2024: Contracts must be signed by artists and returned
  • September 13, 2024: Completed bulldogs delivered to HPA to receive clear-coat finish
  • October 3, 2024: All bulldogs will be unveiled at the Town and Gown Celebration
  • October 12, 2024: All bulldogs will be showcased in the WIU Homecoming Parade
  • November 1-4, 2024: Bulldogs are delivered to their final locations

Application Process

  • Each artist is invited to submit up to a maximum of two designs. However, only one design per artist will be awarded if chosen by the Rocky on Parade Selection Committee.
  • Artists must use the Rocky two-part template (right and left profile) to illustrate their design.
  • Artist application and supporting materials must be submitted by April 1, 2024.
  • Artists must be aware of the project timeline before accepting a contract to paint a bulldog to ensure that they will be available to paint the bulldog during the allotted time.
  • Artists whose designs are selected for exhibition will be provided a blank fiberglass bulldog form and will be given $125 to purchase paint through the Rocky on Parade committee.
  • Artist teams are welcome, but one person must be designated as the lead designer and contact person.

Design Criteria

Rocky on Parade will be an interactive public art event that allows the public to touch and feel designs. Therefore:

  • The bulldogs will be placed in areas fully accessible to the public. In creating a design, carefully consider the weather and other elements of nature.
  • Final sculptures must be representative of original designs submitted for inclusion.
  • Designs should be created with durability and public safety in mind.
  • Artists should remember that the audience will be broad-based and of all ages, and designs should be appropriate for public display. Designs that are political, religious, violent, or sexual in nature will not be accepted. Rocky on Parade retains the right to accept or reject any design for any reason.
  • Rocky on Parade welcomes designs of an original, vibrant, humorous, and uplifting nature, and strongly encourages creative representations that maintain respect for the Rocky bulldog, an honored symbol of Western Illinois University.
  • The use of corporate emblems is discouraged. If used at the request of a commissioned sponsor, corporate emblems shall be discreet and limited to a surface area of no larger than 3”x 3.”
  • Sponsors must have expressed written permission to use the emblem or any registered trademark.
  • The contact points by which the bulldogs will be attached to their concrete bases cannot be altered or obstructed.
  • Submissions will be evaluated by the Rocky on Parade Committee to ensure they conform to these guidelines. The review panel may reject any design that does not adhere to these guidelines. The review panel has full authority to make the final selection.
  • Selected artists will need to follow preparation and painting guidelines per Cowpainters LLC, the manufacturer of the fiberglass bulldogs.
  • The WIU Department of Art & Design will apply a final protective clear-coat to the bulldogs prior to their public placement.

View the Artists packet for complete details.