15 November, 2024
Hopkinton Center for the Arts and 26.2 Foundation, 501(c)(3) organizations, invites artists of all ages and abilities to submit a design idea for the 2025-Winged Foot Exhibition. Selected artists will be paired with a local business sponsor that will provide a monetary stipend to the artist.
For the second consecutive year, the two organizations will host an exhibition in Hopkinton MA alongside the start line of the Boston Marathon. In April 2024, twenty-six artists were chosen to paint a "winged foot" symbolizing the essence of running and the marathon. This year, the aim is to double this number.
Kim Chisolm, Executive Director of the 26.2 Foundation remarked, "The feedback from last Spring was extraordinary. Visitors from across the globe flocked to Hopkinton to admire the stunning artwork that celebrates the joy of running. Our initial goal was to have 26 artists, each representing a marathon mile, and to exhibit these at the town center near the starting line. We aspire to increase this figure and spread the public art initiative across Hopkinton for marathon spectators to enjoy."
The artworks were auctioned, with the proceeds shared between the organizations. The concept for the exhibition was inspired by a tradition in Chatham, MA. Kelly Grill, the Executive Director of HCA, shared, "Chatham hosts a summer event where you can see over 100 whale cutouts painted by artists. It's a fantastic public art collaboration that also serves as a fundraiser. We are looking forward to building this initiative as an annual exhibition for runners and visitors to enjoy"
Selected artists will be provided a winged foot cut-out of Versatex. The winged feet will be approximately 2 feet wide by 3-foot-high exterior art installations that will be mounted to a metal pole which will rest at eye level. Designs should be appropriate for all ages.
The call for art with all of the details can be located at https://wingedfeet2025.artcall.org/
The deadline to submit a design is December 30, 2024
Beyond the call for artists, this initiative provides methods for local businesses to be involved. "This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses and groups to support and gain exposure from" notes Chisholm. "The Boston Marathon sees tens of thousands of visitors annually." Local community groups and businesses who are interested in sponsoring an artist are welcome to reach out to Kim Chisholm via email: kim.chisholm@26-2.org
