Garden Happenings and News

Location:  Leach Botanical Garden
Budget: Up to $30,000
Proposal Submission Deadline: Wednesday, April 30th, 5:00pm

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Leach Garden Friends (dba Leach Botanical Garden) invites artists, designers, and architects to submit proposals for a semi-permanent art installation in the Far Meadow. This project seeks to enhance the meadow’s whimsical atmosphere with two symbolic and functional gateways accommodating a 6 foot wide and 7 ½ -foot-tall pathway. Proposals can be submitted for one or both of the gateways.

In 2024, Prosper Portland funded a proposal to enhance the Far Meadow into a more functional and beautiful space that includes additional pathways, plantings, seating, upgrades to a children’s play cottage, and a performance stage. 

The Far Meadow is located in the upper garden in the northwest corner of the property and is adjacent to the residential neighborhood. The space is frequently used year-round for education, field trip gathering sites, art classes, music, theatre, large-scale community events, and an informal gathering spot for picnics and play times near the children’s play cottage. This area could be described as the garden’s family room, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere. 

Leach Botanical Garden offers immersive, restorative, and educational experiences in a unique landscape of native plants and horticultural collections to build community, celebrate nature, and inspire environmental stewardship. The garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon. 

PROJECT GOALS

• Complement the natural beauty and informal character of the Far Meadow. Create an entrance that ignites the imagination of traveling through a magic portal to a secret garden.
• Serve as both an art piece and an accessible gateway for visitors. Pathways will be no less than 6 feet wide and 7½ feet tall. 
• Use materials that can withstand outdoor elements for at least 8-10 years. Natural, reclaimed, or recycled materials are encouraged. 
• Ensure the design is inviting and accessible to all visitors.
• Installation before March 2026 is preferable.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Design: The installation must include 1-2 passageways in a creative, thoughtful, and visually striking way that is unified with the rest of the garden’s aesthetic. 
2. Dimensions: The gate must allow a clear passage of at least 40 inches in width and 7 feet in height.
3. Materials: All types of materials are welcome, but they must be durable, weather-resistant, and low maintenance.
4. Safety: Ensure the structure is safe for public interaction and meets any applicable codes and standards.
5. Installation: Include a plan for installation with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. 

BUDGET

Budget will be a significant consideration as we review applications for the project.  While we seek high-quality projects that fairly compensate the creators and include all necessary costs, we encourage applicants to think creatively about options that could bring proposals in well below the maximum, as additional funding will need to be secured should we select a project that requires the full budget amount. The need to seek additional funds may delay contracting and completion of the project.

The maximum budget for the project is $30,000 for two installations or $15,000 for one installation, which must cover all costs, including:

• Design and materials
• Fabrication
• Transportation and installation

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposals should include the following:

1. Artist/Team Information:
   
   • Name(s) and contact information
   • Resume or CV
   • Share what interests you about this project. 
   • Portfolio of relevant past works (up to 10 images)
     
     1. Image list must include:
        
        1. Artwork/Project title
        2. Year completed
        3. Materials and dimensions
        4. Budget/cost
        5. Additional comments not to exceed 200 words per entry
2. Design Concept:
   
   • Detailed description of the proposed design. If submitting a proposal for one passageway, please indicate which location you’re interested in. 
   • Sketches, renderings, or other visual representations
3. Budget Breakdown:
   
   • Itemized budget with detailed cost estimates
4. Timeline:
   
   • Estimated timeline from design finalization to installation. Installation before March 2026 is preferred. 
5. Maintenance Plan:
   
   • Outline of expected maintenance requirements and longevity

SELECTION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Artistic merit and creativity
• Alignment with the project goals
• Feasibility within the specified budget and timeline
• Durability and maintenance considerations
• Integration with the Far Meadow environment

We strongly encourage submissions from designers and artists of Color, as well as individuals from non-traditional backgrounds. Our goal is to amplify diverse voices and perspectives in our project. If you have a vision that challenges norms or reflects a unique cultural narrative, we welcome your ideas and creativity.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Proposals must be submitted via email or physical mail to the following address:

Leach Botanical Garden
℅ Jami LeBaron, Program Director
6704 SE 122nd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97236

Or:

jlebaron@leachgarden.org

Please include “Far Meadow Proposal” in the subject line for email submissions. Late or incomplete proposals will not be considered.

TIMELINE

• RFP Issued: 3/17/2025
• Site visits: 4/1-4/30  If you are interested in a site visit, please contact Jami LeBaron at jlebaron@leachgarden.org to schedule. 
• Submission Deadline: 4/30/2025 at 5:00pm PST
• Selection Announcement: 5/15/2025
• Project Completion Deadline: 3/1/2026

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions or additional information, please contact:
Jami LeBaron, Program Director
jlebaron@leachgarden.org
503-406-8318

We look forward to receiving your proposals and envisioning a unique addition to the Far Meadow at Leach Botanical Garden.

‍