Under Construction: America at 250

Exhibition Dates: June 28, 2026 - August 29, 2027 

The Art Complex Museum (ACM) in Duxbury, Massachusetts, is requesting proposals for 15 artists or groups of artists to create sculptures for an outdoor exhibition to celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial in the Spring of 2026. The exhibition will take place on the museum's beautifully landscaped grounds.

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Exhibit Statement

America is 250 years into this experiment in Democracy and we are not done. We are looking to create a diverse and powerful exhibition that explores where we have come from, where we are now, and where we are going. What does America mean to you now, 250 years in?

Artists are encouraged to respond to this event in broad and distinctive ways. We are not putting any parameters on the work other than they must be able to remain outside for 14 months and be safe for our viewing audience. Work will be placed on concrete pads, on grass, or in the woods on mulch. Museum staff will choose the location of all work. 

Details

• Selected artists will be awarded $3,000 for a 14-month loan of their sculpture. (⅓ payable on acceptance of proposal and ⅔ upon installation.)  
• Artists are responsible for getting their work to and from the Art Complex Museum. ACM staff will assist in the installation and deinstallation of the artwork with input from the artist. 
• Artwork will be insured by the ACM for the duration of the loan, for the value supplied by the artist. 
• A small number of the sculptures may be sited on other public properties near the museum, with artist’s approval. 
• The artist is responsible for any necessary repairs to their sculpture during the exhibit. ACM staff can handle minor repairs or maintenance under the artist's direction. The museum reserves the right to remove the sculpture if it becomes unsafe or dangerous in any way. 
• An artist statement about the piece and how it relates to the Semiquincentennial is part of the selection process and will be displayed with the piece. 
• Note: During the timeframe of this outdoor exhibit, the ACM will also be participating in Handwork 2026, a nationwide craft celebration, in three of its indoor galleries. 

The Art Complex Museum (ACM) is located in the historic town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, 33 miles south of Boston. It houses the impressive art collection of the Carl A. Weyerhaeuser family. The collection includes over 8,000 art objects, including American and European prints, American paintings, Shaker furniture, Asian art, and additional treasures. The museum offers a year-round schedule of exhibitions, featuring thematic shows from the permanent collection and shows by contemporary artists. Additional programming includes lectures, concerts, education programs, demonstrations, and Japanese tea ceremonies, fulfilling the founders’ vision that their many interests be shared with the community. (See artcomplex.org for more information.)