IronRangerCall

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will invite you to submit painting designs for donation receptacles installed throughout the Commonwealth.

Since its inception, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Iron Ranger Painting program has become increasingly popular. DCR will be seeking artists in the spring to paint these metal contribution containers that receive financial donations to benefit our state parks system through the Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust funds. The 153 Iron Rangers located in 94 properties across the state collect donations made by many of the more than 10 million visitors the Commonwealth attracts to its many state parks, beaches and forests each year. Donations received through these Iron Rangers fund educational programs and conservation projects in the parks. We are excited to discover that once painted, the Iron Rangers are attracting more attention, and patrons are contributing more generously. In some cases, donations have more than doubled over the previous year.

DCR would like to enhance the look of all of the remaining 100+ unpainted Iron Rangers. Interested artists will be invited to submit color design ideas based on the diagram provided on this sheet. Nature scenes that incorporate a theme or interesting aspect of the location in which the Iron Rangers are found are encouraged. For ideas, contact the property’s supervisor or district manager who will share some of the unique aspects of the state park, beach or forest. You will be asked to include a written description of your design and the location of the Iron Ranger you want to paint. You can view pictures of painted Iron Rangers with the names of the artists and a list of where the Iron Rangers can be found at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/trust/ironRangers.htm

Although artists will not be paid for their work, they are invited to sign the back of the Iron Ranger and leave business cards and brochures with the property supervisor or district manager to distribute upon request. News releases, identifying the artist and including a picture of the Iron Ranger, will also be sent out to the press once the year’s program is complete. Numerous articles and photos about the program and artists have resulted from these releases each year.

DCR will supply the paint. Paintings will be done on-site. Donation receptacles will be cleaned by property staff prior to painting. Receptacles will need 2 primer coats, 1 base coat and 2 finish coats.

Iron Ranger description:

made of steel, cylindrical in shape, flat top, 14” diameter, 42” high
donation slot in front, 6” opening in back

Submissions will be juried by members of DCR’s Design Committee.

Judging criteria can be found at the website listed above.

Deadline for design submission: TBD
Notification of acceptance (by telephone): TBD
Deadline for paintings to be completed: TBD

This project is funded by DCR’s Conservation Trust and Urban Parks Trust funds.

Call For Artists!