The Botanic Garden of Smith College is accepting submissions from Smith College students to work individually on the design, fabrication and installation of an original concept. A maximum of 2 students will be selected to realize their design.

Applicants will be asked to share portfolio images of relevant prior work to demonstrate their capacity for such a demanding project both in concept and in technical ability.

Each year during the first two weeks of March, approximately 25,000 people visit Lyman Plant House to see the Spring Bulb Show. It is a much loved and highly anticipated event; a Smith College tradition which dates back to the very beginning of the 20th century. Since 2023, students have been invited to design and install a work of art in response to this tradition, expanding, shaping and elevating the exhibit itself.

This is a demanding project which will follow a tight schedule. The fabrication process will take place during J-Term 2025, so students must expect and be available to be on campus during that time. Installation will be completed over the course of the week of February 17th, 2025.

After an initial selection process between October 18 and 24, 3-5 individuals will be invited to present their proposal to the committee to engage in a more in-depth discussion about their concept and answer questions. Winning submissions will be announced on Thursday, November 14.

Timeline

This is a site-specific commission. Each student's work will be installed in one of the two Lyman greenhouses where the bulb show takes place. The two greenhouses, Physiology and Cold Storage, were built in 1914 and are named for their historic uses. The Physiology house was built and used as a laboratory for conducting experiments in plant physiology, and the Cold Storage house was built as a storage space for overwintering bulbs.

The bulb show is installed throughout both of these adjoining greenhouses which are separated by a doorway. The proposal should illustrate evidence that the artist has visited the space and has taken the infrastructure and rough measurements of their chosen greenhouse into consideration.  The bulbs will be arranged around the work after it is installed, and the artists will collaborate with the horticulturists to determine their placement.

Use this form to apply. You will be instructed to:

• Include your name and email address
• Note your major and minor (declared or intended)
• Include a written proposal clearly outlining the design plan and describe how the piece relates to the prompt “The legacy of here, now”
• Upload at least 2 illustrations of the proposed installation 
• Upload a link to a google drive folder with portfolio/ images of relevant past work

For questions regarding the process or about the space with regard to how it can be used and what might or might not be logistically possible, reach out to Lily Carone to schedule a time to talk or meet in person before submitting your proposal: lcarone@smith.edu