The Bethlehem Area Public Library is seeking a portrait artist to create a large portrait, suitable for framing and hanging for years to come at the Main Library. The subject of the artist is to be Bethlehem’s great poet H.D., whose childhood home was just across the plaza from the library.
Bethlehem native Hilda Doolittle (1886-1961), known as H.D., drew on experiences of her hometown throughout her long writing life. H.D.’s innovative and experimental poetry and prose established her as a leading Modernist in the early twentieth century, and she is widely recognized today as a queer, feminist visionary. She remains the most influential literary figure born in the Lehigh Valley. The unveiling of this portrait will be presented as part of Finding H.D., a 12-month long public exploration of H.D.’s life and work.
Please submit your application via email to jberk@bapl.org no later than March 8, 2019.
Project details:
- Large portrait, approximately 2 ft x 3 ft, framed, of Hilda Doolittle
- Style/medium are at artist’s discretion
- Final concept drawings due April 30, 2019.
- Final work due August 1, 2019.
Your application must include:
- initial sketch and portrait concept proposal
- artist portfolio (sample of your work)
- price estimate (include the price of frame/framing)
- Answer to the question: “What would painting H.D.’s portrait mean to you personally?” (approximately 500 words)
The final decision will be made by a committee of library staff and community partners, voting based on the fit of the artist’s work and their response to these requirements. Submissions are due March 8. Selected artist will be notified no later than April 1. BAPL reserves the authority and discretion to reject all proposals and post again at a later date.
Contact jberk@bapl.org with any questions.
