2025 Sculpture Contest

Congratulations to August Chiavelli, our winner of the sculpture contest. Our new sculpture is currently being created and we can’t wait! We look forward to the big reveal on Saturday, October 11th during Spirits in the Woods.

  • The Lime Hollow Nature Center was envisioned as a place where ALL people can wander, wonder, play, and learn. We believe that free, outdoor public spaces are vital to mental and physical health and that experiences in the outdoors promote wellbeing, community, and stewardship. The nature center is the culmination of efforts since the 1960s to develop a nature preserve to protect an unusual assemblage of marl ponds, a peat bog, and kame-and-kettle topography along an abandoned railroad on the boundary between Cortland and Tompkins counties. 


    In addition to 600 acres of forests, fields, and streams, the nature center boasts an Art Meadow, filled with sculptures on permanent display which are located along an accessible ¾ mile loop. By installing works of art, we have created whimsical spaces which encourage people to get outside. By making the trails accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and people with limited mobility, we have created spaces where multi-generational families can gather. By not charging for access to these spaces, we have made them available to all regardless of socioeconomic status.


  • Application opens Wednesday, April 2, 2025

    In-person info session and space review Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 5:00-6:30pm Friday, April 18 from 10:00-11:30am REGISTER FOR INFO SESSION

    Submissions deadline

    Thursday, May 15, 2025 (Digital 11:59pm)

    Thursday, May 15, 2025 (Physical 3:00pm)

    Award announced

    Friday, May 30, 2025

    Project Installation

    June-September 2025

    Opening Reception

    Saturday, October 11, 2025

  • Each winning entry will receive a $500 stipend which will go directly to the individual/group for their time to design and install the sculpture. Additionally, up to $500 in materials costs will be reimbursed to the winning entry. Lime Hollow encourages the use of sustainable, local, found and recycled materials in the construction of the sculpture.

    • The artist(s) are responsible for any repairs and upkeep to the sculpture during the display period. Repairs and upkeep must be completed within a reasonable period after notification from Nature Center staff.

    • The artist(s) is responsible for any safety modifications which must be made to the work as identified by Nature Center staff.

    • All pieces are on temporary display at the Lime Hollow Nature Center and must be removed after December 31, 2026. 

    • The artist(s) agrees that the display will remain at Lime Hollow for the duration of the exhibition period (October 12, 2025- December 31, 2026). 

    • Lime Hollow may help promote the sale of a sculpture after the exhibition date or the piece may be donated to Lime Hollow to use in any way it sees fit.

Each Submitted Design Requires the Following:

  • A narrative of the design concept including explanation of the inspiration for the piece

  • Rendering, schematic, architectural drawing, or other image, showing the project’s scale, elevation, etc.

  • Estimated budget

  • Statement of materials, construction methods and equipment needed for installation

  • Narrative of what you are trying to convey with the piece

  • Short portfolio which includes examples previous relevant work 

  • A description of the artists’ goals for the piece after the exhibition. 

This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.