RFP; Artists for The Blossom Reverie Fair

1. INTRODUCTION

The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC) invites qualified artists, sculptors, creative design teams, and large-scale puppetry companies to submit proposals for participation in The Blossom Reverie Fair, a downtown public art and cultural activation celebrating the themes of spring renewal, imagination, and community.

This one-day event will feature floral installations, giant puppetry, window art, live music, and local vendors, transforming downtown Ticonderoga into a garden of creativity and public engagement.

2. BACKGROUND

The Blossom Reverie Fair expands NRDC’s award-winning creative placemaking series, which includes:

• Fireside Folk Festival (October): a fall gathering of music, storytelling, and light.
• IlluminArt Festival (December): a winter celebration of projection art and illumination.
• Walls Between Waters Mural Festival (June): a county-wide mural and public art initiative.

Together, these programs have redefined downtown Ticonderoga’s identity as a cultural hub and showcase NRDC’s commitment to high-quality, professionally managed public art installations.

To view an example of NRDC’s recent work and production standards, please see the Walls Between Waters recap video available on YouTube and via the Essex County website under “Public Art Initiatives.”

3. PROJECT SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

NRDC is seeking proposals in three categories:

1. Large-Scale Puppetry and Parade Production

• Design, creation, or rental of large puppets and associated performance elements.
• Includes an Opening Mini-Parade (approximately 2:15 PM) and a Closing Parade Finale (approximately 7:15 PM).
• May include community workshops for puppet or prop creation prior to or during the event.

1. Permanent Floral Sculpture

• One (1) durable, site-specific outdoor installation to remain in downtown Ticonderoga beyond the event as a long-term public art feature.
• Must be fabricated of weather-resistant materials suitable for year-round display.

1. Temporary Bloom-Themed Installations

• Six (6) temporary installations placed at designated downtown locations.
• May be newly created works or existing pieces adapted or rented for the fair.
• All installations must be structurally sound, safe for public interaction, and visually aligned with the event’s floral and renewal themes.

4. EVENT FLOW AND KEY DATES

Event Flow (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

• 1:00 PM – Street closure and artist/vendor load-in.
• 2:00 PM – Ribbon Cutting and Public Art Unveiling.
• 2:15 PM – Opening Giant Puppet Mini-Parade.
• 2:30–6:00 PM – Workshops, Vendor Fair, and Bouquet Bar.
• 2:30–7:30 PM – Live Music Performances.
• 7:15 PM – Illuminated Puppet Parade Finale.
• 8:00 PM – Event concludes.
• 8:30 PM – Street reopens.

Installation Period: April 15–24, 2026
Display Duration: April 25–June 9, 2026

5. THEME: “RAINBOWS & MAGIC”

All proposals should celebrate color, renewal, and the joyful imagination that blossoms each spring. Works must prominently incorporate flowers or blossoms as a central visual or symbolic element, representing growth, transformation, and the vibrant energy of the season.

Proposals may include sculptural, floral, or mixed-media elements and should embody the feeling of walking through a dreamlike garden where art, flora, and imagination meet.

6. ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is open to:

• Professional and emerging artists.
• Art educators, students, and collaborative teams.
• Theater, floral, and set designers with public art experience.
• Large-scale puppetry companies and performance design groups.

Individual and team submissions are welcome.

7. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

All proposals must include:

1. Artist or Company Statement and Contact Information.
2. Conceptual Design and Sketches or Samples of Previous Work.
3. Description of Materials, Dimensions, Installation, and Safety Considerations.
4. For Puppetry: Parade Plan, number of puppets/performers, and community engagement components (if applicable).
5. Itemized Budget including:
• Artist or company fee.
• Materials and fabrication costs.
• Travel, lodging, and per diem expenses.
• Equipment rentals, transport, and installation costs.
• Rental or adaptation of existing works (if applicable).
6. Portfolio of past projects (3–5 examples or website link).
7. Power and equipment needs.
8. Insurance coverage and permits required for installation or performance.

If an artist or team is unable to personally install their work, this must be clearly stated in the proposal. The artist must outline installation instructions, necessary equipment, and staffing or coordination requirements.

8. INSTALLATION AND SAFETY

All artworks must be:

• Installed no later than April 24, 2026.
• Structurally sound, safely anchored, and compliant with ADA and local safety standards.
• Suitable for outdoor display and moderate weather conditions.
• Family-friendly and designed for public interaction.

NRDC will coordinate site approvals and provide general logistical support but expects selected artists and companies to manage their own transportation, setup, and strike unless otherwise arranged.

9. SELECTION CRITERIA

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Creativity and originality.
• Alignment with the “Rainbows & Magic” theme.
• Quality, craftsmanship, and safety.
• Feasibility and completeness of the installation plan.
• Community engagement and interactive potential.
• Clarity and transparency of the itemized budget.
• Experience and ability to execute projects of similar scale and visibility.

10. TIMELINE

• RFP Release: October 30, 2025
• Proposal Deadline: November 28, 2025
• Artist Selection Announced: December 5, 2025
• Installation Period: April 15–24, 2026
• Festival & Market Day: April 25, 2026
• Public Display Ends: June 9, 2026

11. SUBMISSION

All materials must be submitted electronically by November 29, 2025 to:
Email: office@northcountryruraldevelopment.org
Subject Line: Blossom Reverie Fair 

Proposals should be submitted as a single PDF file not exceeding 20 MB. Links to supplemental media (video, large image files, or past project documentation) may be included.

12. CONTACT

Nicole Justice Green
President & CEO | North Country Rural Development Coalition
CEO | Essex County Land Bank / Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance
Email: office@northcountryruraldevelopment.org
Phone: (518) 585-6366