Celebrate the Unique Story of Penn’s Woods
The Penn’s Woods outdoor art exhibition will be a juried exhibition featuring ten works of art installed throughout the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens. The artwork, on display from June through August, will explore the deep history, ecology, and artistry of Pennsylvania’s forests—lands once called Penn’s Woods.
The year 2026 also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, a moment of reflection not only on the founding of our nation but also on the many voices, stories, and challenges that continue to shape our shared identity. As the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has long held a pivotal role in American history, from its forests and waterways fueling industry and migration to its arts and sciences advancing cultural diversity and innovation.
Artist Proposals
The Arboretum accepted proposals until February 28 from Pennsylvania-based artists that highlight the beauty and complexity of Pennsylvania’s landscapes and communities. Artist guidelines and details are listed below for reference.
Works may consider the ecological importance of forests, the cultural traditions rooted in wood and craft, or the social and environmental challenges that threaten these spaces today. We welcome perspectives that reflect the richness of Pennsylvania’s people and histories—past, present, and future.
The artwork will be displayed in the gardens, underscoring the vital role public horticulture plays in Pennsylvania’s tourism, education, and economic growth. Botanic gardens and public landscapes are gathering places where artistry, ecology, and community converge, and this exhibition invites artists to help deepen those connections for visitors.
Works may be sculptural, architectural, or multi-component, but must be designed for outdoor display in a public garden setting using wood as a central material or inspiration. Selected works will be on view for approximately three months (June–August 2026). Each selected artist must agree to a participation and license agreement and will receive a $1,000 honorarium upon the successful conclusion of the exhibition.
- Open to artists currently living or working in Pennsylvania.
- Artists must demonstrate prior experience with outdoor work or provide sufficient evidence of feasibility and safety.
- Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply.
Selected artists are responsible for:
- installation and removal of their work within scheduled timeframes
- covering costs related to repairs or damages caused by their work
Each selected artist will receive an award of $1,000 upon the successful conclusion of the exhibition and restoration of the artwork site. Artists are responsible for the deinstallation of their work, and honoraria will not be issued prior to the removal of a piece of their work. Each selected artist shall be solely responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes associated with the award.
All participants agree to be bound by the Penn State Arboretum Temporary Art Installation Guidelines. Non-compliance will result in disqualification and all privileges as a participant will be immediately terminated.
Penn State reserves the right in its sole discretion to supplement or make changes to participation guidelines at any time without notice. Penn State reserves the right in its sole discretion to interpret participation guidelines, and such interpretation shall be binding upon all participants. If, for any reason, the exhibition cannot run as planned, including without limitation lack of significant participation, Penn State reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, suspend and/or modify the exhibition.
- Proposal deadline: February 28, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: March 31, 2026
- Installation period: May 25–29, 2026
- Opening reception: May 31, 2026
- Exhibition dates: June 1–August 30, 2026
- Deinstallation: August 31–Sept 4, 2026
- Completely self-supporting (no ground penetration, foundations, or anchoring into soil)
- Able to withstand outdoor weather for up to three months, including wind loads of at least 90 mph
- Smooth edges/surfaces, stable bases, and design that discourages climbing or unsafe use
- No attachment to or alteration of plants, trees, or shrubs
- Weather-resistant, UV-stable, and non-toxic materials only
- Hazardous materials (lead paint, solvents, pesticides, asbestos, etc.) are strictly prohibited
- Minimize maintenance needs
- Standard footprint: maximum 4’ x 4’ (larger works may be considered with prior approval)
Please note that all works must adhere to the full Penn State Arboretum Art Installation Guidelines.
Document type: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Effective date: August 17, 2025
Installation duration: Maximum 12 months (temporary exhibitions only)
Long-term considerations: Permanent or long-term installations (greater than 12 months) will be considered on a per-request basis with separate review requirements.
Review authority: Arboretum Art Selection Committee
1. Introduction and Purpose
These guidelines provide essential standards for artists considering outdoor installations within our Arboretum grounds, including the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens. This document serves as your planning guide to ensure your artwork protects our living collections while creating meaningful artistic experiences for visitors.
All proposed installations will be reviewed by the Arboretum Art Selection Committee, including the Director of Operations, who will evaluate and comment on submissions for safety, feasibility, appropriate location placement, and any additional exhibition requirements.
2. Fundamental Protection Requirements
2.1 Botanical Collection Protection
Your installation must not:
- Damage, alter, or negatively impact any plant collections
- Interfere with plant growth, sunlight access, or natural processes
- Introduce materials that could harm plant health
- Create conditions that attract pests or diseases
- Block essential maintenance access to plantings
2.2 Visitor Safety
Your installation must not:
- Use toxic, hazardous, or dangerous materials of any kind
- Create sharp edges, points, or surfaces that could injure visitors
- Present slip, trip, or fall hazards
- Include unstable or inadequately supported elements
- Use materials prone to breakage or degradation that could harm visitors
2.3 Site Integrity
Your installation must not:
- Penetrate the ground in any manner
- Require excavation, trenching, or soil disturbance
- Attach to or damage any woody plants (trees, shrubs)
- Connect to or interfere with existing garden structures
- Impact electrical systems or irrigation infrastructure
- Block pedestrian pathways or service access roads
3. Prohibited Materials and Methods
3.1 Ground Installation Restrictions
Nothing that requires below-ground foundations will be permitted. Do not:
- Install footings, stakes, or anchoring systems below ground level
- Create holes, trenches, or depressions in soil
- Use ground-penetrating supports of any kind
- Install foundations (below ground or permanent surface foundations)
- Compact or damage soil through installation processes
3.2 Plant and Landscape Restrictions
Do not:
- Attach hardware, cables, or supports to living plants
- Apply any substances (paint, adhesive, treatments) to vegetation
- Remove, trim, or alter existing plantings
- Place installations within critical root zones
- Block natural drainage patterns or water flow
3.3 Infrastructure Restrictions
Do not:
- Access or modify electrical connections, outlets, or systems
- Interfere with irrigation lines, sprinklers, or water systems
- Attach to benches, signs, fences, buildings, or other structures
- Block access to utility equipment or maintenance areas
- Modify or impact any existing garden infrastructure
3.4 Hazardous Materials
The following materials are strictly prohibited. Do not use:
- Toxic chemicals, solvents, or hazardous substances
- Lead-based materials or heavy metal finishes
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Materials that off-gas harmful chemicals
- Pesticides, herbicides, or biocides
- Any material requiring special disposal or cleanup
4. Required Design Standards
4.1 Structural Independence
Your artwork must:
- Be completely self-supporting without ground anchors
- Include internal ballast or weighted base systems for stability
- Withstand wind loads of minimum 90 mph sustained winds
- Maintain structural integrity throughout the installation period
- Include redundant support systems for visitor safety
4.2 Material Requirements
Your artwork must use:
- Weather-resistant, UV-stable materials only
- Non-toxic, environmentally safe components
- Corrosion-resistant metals and hardware
- Materials with smooth, finished surfaces
- Components suitable for 12-month outdoor exposure
4.3 Safety Design Features
Your artwork must include:
- Dull and non-penetrating pedestrian contact points
- Stable base design preventing tipping or movement
- Visible boundaries and clear spatial definition
- Appropriate scale for the intended location
- Design features that discourage climbing or misuse
5. Site Integration Requirements
5.1 Placement Standards
Your installation must:
- Maintain minimum 2’ clearance from all plant collections
- Preserve full access to existing pathways (minimum 6’ width)
- Allow unobstructed service vehicle access
- Respect sight lines and visual corridors
- Complement rather than dominate the natural landscape
5.2 Size and Space Requirements
Standard Display Areas:
- Maximum footprint: 4′ x 4′ (16 square feet) standard pre-approval
- Larger installations: Anything exceeding 4′ x 4′ requires specific pre-approval from the Arboretum at Penn State
- Height considerations: Must maintain proportional scale to surrounding landscape including adhering to wind load proportions and safe structural principles
- Multi-component installations: Total combined footprint cannot exceed 4′ x 4′ without additional pre-approval
- Spacing requirements: Multiple installations must maintain minimum 10-foot separation
Acceptable Display Zones:
- Designated open lawn areas
- Approved garden alcoves and clearings
- Selected pathway intersections (with adequate clearance)
- Specified viewing areas near garden features
- Specific locations subject to Art Selection Committee approval
5.3 Environmental Considerations
Your installation must:
- Account for seasonal changes in plant growth and appearance
- Consider wildlife habitat and movement patterns
- Respect the garden’s educational and research functions
- Integrate harmoniously with existing landscape design
- Allow for routine garden maintenance activities
6. Submission and Review Process
6.1 Art Selection Committee Review
All submissions will be evaluated by the Arboretum Art Selection Committee, including:
- Director of Operations (safety and feasibility review)
- Arboretum Director or designee
- Additional subject matter experts as needed
6.2 Required Submission Materials
You must provide:
- Detailed artwork plans and specifications
- Complete materials list with safety data sheets as relevant
- Structural engineering calculations and stability analysis if requested by the Arboretum Art Selection Committee
- Proposed site plan with exact dimensions and placement
- Installation and removal methodology
- Timeline for installation, display, and removal
- Artist statement describing the work and its relationship to the site
- Portfolio demonstrating relevant experience with outdoor installations
6.3 Review Criteria
The Committee will evaluate submissions based on:
- Safety: Full compliance with all safety requirements
- Feasibility: Technical viability and installation practicality
- Location Placement: Site appropriateness and integration
- Botanical Protection: Zero impact on plant collections
- Artistic Merit: Quality, innovation, and educational value
- Public Engagement: Potential to enhance visitor experience
- Maintenance: Long-term care requirements and sustainability
7. Installation Operational Procedures
7.1 Pre-Installation Requirements
Before installation, you must:
- Receive written approval from the Art Selection Committee
- Complete site meeting with Arboretum operations staff
- Provide 48-hour advance notice of all installation activities
- Coordinate installation schedule to minimize visitor disruption
7.2 Installation Protocols
During installation, you must:
- Use designated access routes only
- Limit equipment to hand tools and small, low-impact vehicles
- Install protective ground coverings to prevent soil damage
- Work within approved hours (typically 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., weekdays)
- Maintain clean work areas and remove all debris daily
- Follow all Penn State campus safety protocols
7.3 Post-Installation Requirements
After installation, you must:
- Complete final safety inspection with operations staff
- Provide detailed maintenance schedule and procedures
- Submit as-built documentation if any changes were made
- Establish regular monitoring and inspection protocol
8. Ongoing Responsibilities
8.1 Artist Maintenance Obligations
You are responsible for:
- Monthly safety and stability inspections
- Routine cleaning and preventive maintenance
- Immediate repair of any damage or safety issues
- Quarterly condition reports to Arboretum staff
- Responding to Arboretum requests within 48 hours
8.2 Arboretum Oversight
The Arboretum reserves the right to:
- Conduct unscheduled safety inspections
- Require immediate repairs or modifications
- Remove installations that pose safety or environmental risks
- Monitor impact on surrounding botanical collections
- Modify display period based on site conditions
9. Removal and Site Restoration
9.1 Removal Standards
At the end of the display period, you must:
- Remove all installation components by the agreed date
- Repair any inadvertent damage at your expense
- Remove all debris and foreign materials
- Pass final site inspection by Arboretum staff
9.2 Site Restoration Verification
Final approval requires:
- Complete removal of all installation materials
- No damage to plant collections or garden infrastructure
- Proper restoration of soil and surface conditions
- Clean site with no remaining debris
- Written acceptance by the Director of Operations
10. Emergency and Non-Compliance Procedures
10.1 Emergency Response
In case of structural failure, weather damage, or safety incidents:
- Immediately secure the area and prevent public access
- Contact Arboretum: 814-865-9118
- Coordinate with campus police if required
- Document all incidents thoroughly
10.2 Non-Compliance Consequences
Failure to meet these requirements may result in:
- Immediate removal of installation at artist’s expense
- Forfeiture of any security deposits
- Responsibility for cleanup and restoration costs
- Exclusion from future Arboretum art programs
- Legal action for damages or violations
11. Supporting Resources and Standards
This policy incorporates industry standards from:
- American Alliance of Museums: Standards for Museum Exhibitions
- International Sculpture Center: Guidelines for Outdoor Sculpture
- National Weather Service: Structural Design Standards
- Americans with Disabilities Act: Accessibility Requirements
- Penn State Environmental Health and Safety: Campus Standards
- Association of Science-Technology Centers: Outdoor Exhibition Safety
12. Application and Contact Information
If you have questions about submitting your application or are unable to submit your application online, please contact Rachel Duke via email at red1042@psu.edu.
Committee Chair: Rachel Duke
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Review Timeline: 4-6 weeks from complete submission
13. Quick Reference Checklist for Artists
- No ground penetration required
- No below-ground foundations needed
- Self-supporting structure design
- Footprint 4′ x 4′ or smaller (larger requires pre-approval)
- Non-toxic materials only
- No attachment to plants or structures needed
- Maintains pathway access
- Weather-resistant for 12 months
- Includes safety features for public interaction
- Respects botanical collection protection zones
- Installation/removal plan feasible
- Temporary exhibition only (12 months maximum)
Submit a Proposal to Display Your Artwork
Proposals were due by February 28, 2026.