Nikki Pike

You Might Recognize:

Crescendo; CSUSPUR Musical Churns, OVUM

Public Art Average Success Rate:

Maybe 10, but many of my successful commissions come from invitations to apply as opposed to "cold" applications.

 Rejected Project Proposal

Proposed Project Location:

Downtown Denver

Concept:

Three art tactics would be used over a three-month period to raise awareness on the importance of the tree canopy: 1. Chalk drawings of trees would fill sidewalks once a week. 2. A temporary, artistic phone booth would be installed downtown. Visitors would pick up the phone reciever and hear information about the tree canopy. 3. Existing tree planters would be painted to communicate tree canopy information and highlight Denver's other tree programs. 

"I Regret to Inform You..." Artist Response:

Initially I felt disappointed as every rejection brings. This was before I made the boundary and requirement of being paid for designs and proposals. So, the disappointment of rejection was coupled with the loss of time and money affiliated with the inappropriate practice of requesting designs without compensation. This really enforced the idea: artists should not work for free or for "recognition". Having decades of experience with rejections, I think of it as one step closer to securing a commission. Over time, I realize that cold applying for commissions has a much higher rate of rejection than the opportunities that are forwarded or brought to me by fellow professionals in my community or direct invitations to apply.

Additional Thoughts:

The final design that was chosen was designed by Kenzie Sitterud. I was excited to see the final chosen design and project: what an incredible sculpture! The project call required community outreach which was my focus, interactive programming. I do not know if/what type of outreach took place with this installation. https://www.kenziemckenzie.com/future-seat