SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Arts Commission is looking for artists to submit their sculptures for consideration For the "Silver Box Project” — a city-wide, on-loan art competition of annually rotating sculptures.

City Council members approved the request by commission members in April for the manufacturing of three stainless steel boxes, which will display the sculptures on loan from regional artists. The sculptures will be displayed in a highly visible area at the head of the Sand Creek path from October 2017 until August 2018, and then the process will begin again.

"Select pieces will be displayed on these three silver metal boxes with high aesthetic appeal, functionality and durability," said commission member Ffion Soltis during a presentation to City Council members in April.

"These boxes form the bottom half of this annually rotating sculpture project," she said. "Even know the sculptures are going to change every year, the boxes are going to stay in the same location."

This area is high traffic, pedestrian and driving traffic volume, and will be an excellent staging area for a community project that will require a high degree of community participation, Soltis said.

Each year, one piece will win the People's Choice Award to be purchased for a maximum of $5,000 and relocated in town. The sculptures not chosen will be made available for sale to the general public with all proceeds going to the artist.

The estimated cost of the project for the 2017/2018 year is $20,000 and will be funded by the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency. The initial cost of the three boxes, differing in size from 24 to 36 inches tall, is estimated at $10,650. The People's Choice Award for the purchase of the one sculpture is listed at $5,000 and a stainless steel base to place the chosen sculpture at a to-be-determined location in Sandpoint is estimated at $3,750. Also, the commission plans to use Single Call For Entry, an online service, to perform an open call to artists to submit their art for consideration for the project. The service cost is estimated at $600.

Artists will be recognized with a custom plaque placed on the plinth base, containing the artist's contact information.

The sculptures will be promoted to City residents and artists through print and social media and highlighted in numerous community arts and culture events, including ArtWalk, Sandpoint Arts and Crafts Show and Festival.

Applications must be received through the Café website at callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=4466 no later than 11:59 p.m., Aug. 8.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.