Call for Artists

Birdhouses for Olbrich's Holiday Express

The Holiday Express is an annual flower show located in the Atrium at the Gardens that runs the entire month of December. Imagine a room filled with the crisp smell of evergreens while specialty trains wind their way through hundreds of brightly colored poinsettias.

Holiday Express Show

• Annual attendance = 20,000
• Audience: primarily families
• Hours
  • Member Preview Party:  Friday, December 2, 3 -7 p.m.
  • Show open daily to the public:  December 3 - December 31, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens invites local craftsmen and artists to create handmade birdhouses of all different mediums for this year's Holiday Express Show. We are also collaborating with the owner and staff of The Vinery, a local stained glass studio, who are working on creating several panels of stained glass birds to display in the show along with the birdhouses. There is no specific theme except to be inspired by the holiday spirit!

Birdhouse Guidelines and information

General

• Use your imagination & creativity - don't be afraid to think outside of the box!
• Only handmade originals will be accepted into the show.
• Birdhouses do not have to be functional, but must be identifiable as a birdhouse/habitat.
• Depending on sizes, we anticipate accepting 25-30 birdhouses into the show.
• Birdhouses must be delivered or shipped by the creator to Olbrich Gardens by Nov. 28.
• When the show has concluded, birdhouse creators can choose to retrieve or donate their birdhouse if it was not sold during the show. If the creator cannot pick up their birdhouse and does not want to donate it, return shipping costs will be the responsibility of the creator.
• The birdhouses will be set amongst live conifers, poinsettias and other plant material.
• Conditions of the showroom: cool temperature (60°) for one month.

 

Suggested Materials

• Wood
• Paper
• Metal
• Natural/plant materials (i.e. gourds, bark, twigs, dried flowers, rocks, etc.)
• Glass
• Ceramics

 

Size

• There is no maximum or minimum size requirement.
• Larger houses such as a purple martin birdhouse are welcome.
• Groupings or a series of smaller sized birdhouses within a related theme are encouraged.

For Sale

Birdhouse creators can chose to offer their creations for sale during the Holiday Express Show. Olbrich Gardens receives a 20% commission on all sales. The Gardens will process the sales at the end of the show and mail the creator a check.

Application & Delivery Deadline

All applications must be received by November 11. Birdhouses must be completed and delivered to Olbrich by Monday, November 28, 2011.

Each application must include:

• Completed application form - short description of proposed birdhouse creation.
• 2-3 pictures from the artist's portfolio (pictures will not be returned unless a self addressed envelope with postage is included with the application).
• Olbrich reserves the right to choose which pieces will be displayed.

Promotions

Your name/business will be included in:

• Event signage
• Olbrich's newsletter (mailed to more than 5,000 households)
• Show program
• Your business cards will be available at the entrance to the show
• Press release sent to local media
• Paid advertising (tbd)
• Media interviews as requested

Benefits

• 3 invitations to the Member Preview Party
• 2 complimentary tickets for the Holiday Express Show

Application Form (PDF)