a. price woodard jr. bronze bust

The City of Wichita invites professional artists and artist teams with a demonstrated history of completing complex, permanent, outdoor public art projects to submit their qualifications for a $40,000 public art commission for A. Price Woodard Jr. Memorial Park. The start of this project is scheduled to begin in late fall/early winter of 2025. It is anticipated that the installation of the art will be completed in 2026. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

In 2022, the Wichita City Council approved to receive proceeds for the purpose of the improvement of City property along the east bank of the Big Arkansas River from Douglas Avenue to Waterman Street, this includes A. Price Woodard Jr. Memorial Park. One item covered by this capital improvement is commissioning of an on-site commemorative artwork that then becomes part of the City of Wichita Public Art Collection. The administration of the Percent for Art Program is overseen by the Design Council, an 11-member advisory board.

Who is A. Price Woodard, Jr.?

A. Price Woodard Jr. is remembered as a Wichita attorney, City Council Member, and the first African American Mayor of Wichita. He was elected on April 14, 1970. At the time, Wichita was experiencing racial problems that had escalated to rioting in the streets and burnings. While the custom was for a more experienced commission member to be chosen mayor, the commissioners felt appointing Woodard mayor might help calm the city’s racial storm. It was the only term he served.

Art Vision

The City of Wichita envisions a commemorative cast bronze life-size bust dedicated to the former Mayor of Wichita. The artwork for this project must present A. Price Woodard’s physical appearance in faithful accuracy and must be durable and structurally suitable to the extreme Kansas weather. Audial/lighting components will not be allowed. No found objects should be used for this project. A memorial plaque and base/pedestal are to be included as part of the work. Material for the base/pedestal must be durable and suitable for Kansas weather. Bust can include shoulders or just neck.

A. Price Woodard, Jr. Memorial Park Background

Land for this park was acquired in 1972 from the Urban Renewal Agency. The park is named after the late A. Price Woodard, Jr., former Mayor of Wichita. It is a multi-level park, accentuated by waterfalls, fountains, pool and an amphitheater. The landscape design for the area ranges from semi-formal in the main plaza adjacent to Douglas Avenue and the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center to naturalistic in those areas adjoining the river.

Art Location

inal artwork location will be determined by the selected artist and design team. Commemorative public art is envisioned for this project. Regardless of size or location, the artwork(s) should be structurally sound and durable. Audial, electrical, and water elements do not apply to this project.

Site Location

The park is located west of S. Waco Street and South of W. Douglas Avenue in downtown Wichita, Kansas and adjacent to the Arkansas River. The exact location of the art installation within the park is to be identified once the artist selection process is concluded.