Challenge VIII: Bartram’s Boxes Remix (“BBR”) is a collaborative project between the Wood Turning Center (Center) and Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia (home of famed 18th century explorer and botanist John Bartram). The title of this project, Bartram’s Boxes Remix, references the boxes containing seeds, plants, and curiosities that John Bartram began sending to his colleagues in England in 1735, making Bartram’s Garden an international hub of plant knowledge and sharing.

In the spirit of John Bartram’s desire to share his passion for trees and other plants, BBR will bring together artists who will create works in wood and other materials from Bartram’s Garden. Artists will be able to select from 13 types of wood from the Garden felled by a recent storm. BBR celebrates John Bartram’s legacy of discovery and will provide a unique opportunity for artists to “remix” the history, materials and inspiration of one of America’s oldest gardens in their work.

Submissions are not limited to wood turning artists; this call includes furniture makers, sculptors, painters, printers, video, instillation, performance, and multi-media artists. Collaborations are welcome. Jurors will consider all submissions incorporating in some manner the wood and materials available at Bartram’s Garden.

Application due: August 30, 2011

Prospectus and application link >

Important dates

By September 15, 2011: Artists notified if selected to attend Bartram’s Garden Artist Retreat.

October 9 or October 22, 2011:

Bartram’s Garden Artist Retreat. Strongly Recommended.

January 30, 2012: Final Proposals from Artist due for Jury.

By February 29, 2012: Artists selected for Challenge VIII exhibition and given 14 months to produce work.

May 1, 2013: Deadline for delivery of finished work to the Center. The artist may drop off or be responsible for shipping the piece(s). The Center will insure and pay for the return of work at wholesale value.

February 3, 2014: Challenge VIII opens at the Center. The exhibition will be documented and may travel for up to two years.

Available Wood at Bartram’s Garden:

Tulip Poplar, Cucumber Magnolia

Bitternut Hickory, Honey Locust

Silver Maple, Yellowwood

Willow Oak, Silverbell

White Mulberry, Paper Mulberry

Osage Orange, Kentucky Coffee Tree

Boxwood