UM Seeks Artists for "Fear the Turtle" Public Art Project

The "Fear the Turtle" rallying cry is beckoning to artists across the greater Washington-Baltimore region who want to help the University of Maryland celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Fifty Terrapin sculptures await artistic transformation through the Fear the Turtle Sculpture Project, a public art exhibit that celebrates the spirit of achievement and excellence reflected in our slogan and in the growing pride in the university. Local artists and designers are invited to capture the spirit of our rising national stature in fanciful ways by showing their own feelings about the university, its personalities and its connections to communities across the state.

For a copy of the Call for Artists that outlines application procedures, artists should call 301.405.1011 or e-mail their mailing address to emailum@umd.edu. Note "call for artists" in the e-mail subject line. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 7. Additional information is available online at http://www.feartheturtle.umd.edu/sculptures.

Decorated Terrapins will be displayed throughout the university and across the region in spring and summer of 2006 to extend the anniversary celebration into the community and showcase local artistic talent. An auction at the end of the exhibit will benefit the university's ongoing scholarship campaign.

"The Maryland Terrapin has become such a universally popular icon across the state that we wanted to share it with the community as we celebrate our 150th birthday," said Terry Flannery, assistant vice president for marketing and communications. "We know there are many wonderfully talented artists throughout the area and we can't wait to see their creative re-envisioning of our mascot."