Alaska Railroad solicits ideas for 2014 official art print

Alaska artists called to submit annual art contest entries by Feb. 22, 2013

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is now soliciting submissions for its annual commemorative artwork program. The artist selected will be commissioned to create artwork that is the basis for the 2014 Alaska Railroad official print.

Due to a high volume of submissions in 2010, two artists were selected – one to complete the 2012 print artwork and one to complete the 2013 print artwork. This may be the case again this year, depending on the level of response to the call for artwork.

“This program has historically been received very enthusiastically in Alaska,” said ARRC Vice President Corporate Affairs Wendy Lindskoog. “The annual Alaska Railroad artwork has become a favorite among rail fans and Alaska art collectors alike. Every year we look forward to seeing the creative new submissions.”

In order to be considered, artwork must include an Alaska Railroad theme. For this year, the Alaska Railroad is particularly interested in artwork that features either the Hurricane Turn Flag Stop service or the railroad’s role in the community of Nenana. The flag stop service has long provided Alaskans with unique service into some of the most remote areas along the rail belt, and Nenana was the site where President Warren G. Harding drove the golden spike to celebrate the railroad’s completion in 1923, nearly 90 years ago. While not mandatory, submissions that feature Hurricane Turn or Nenana will receive additional consideration this year.

ARRC retains all rights to the artwork. Once selected, the Alaska Railroad will produce 750 signed and numbered prints, 4,000 posters and several thousand lapel pins. The artist will receive $3,000, and will be given 10 artist proofs and 20 posters. In return, the artist must agree to participate in sale-and-signing events in Anchorage and in Fairbanks. Additional community locations may be added depending on the print subject. The Alaska Railroad will pay for the artist’s travel expenses.

Artists may request access to Alaska Railroad property for artistic research by contacting ARRC Corporate Communications Officer Stephenie Wheeler at (907) 265-2671.  A listing of previous ARRC art prints is available on the railroad’s web site at: http://www.alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Community/AnnualPrintContest.