The Senate Art Committee is working on the current project to commission two new busts for the Senate Chamber—honoring Elizabeth Freeman and Abigail Adams. As part of this historic effort, the committee has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify an artist for the work. The RFP is currently open through November 7th, but there have been relatively limited submissions to date. We’re looking for experienced sculptors working in bronze or marble with a history of public commissions. Artists based in the Northeast region are eligible. If you would like to discuss the RFP to learn more, you can email Billi Rinaldi at William.Rinaldi@masenate.gov
Q: Where in the Senate Chamber will the bust(s) be displayed?
A: The decision on the placement of the new bust(s) has not been made yet. It will be made after selection of the artist and material(s). The Senate will work with the selected artist(s) on the placement/display details during the contracting phase.
Q: Does the Senate have a preference on the age of the subject(s) for purposes of representation through the bust(s)?
A: The Senate has no preference regarding this and defers to the artist(s) on the age for representation. The Senate is seeking to commission bust(S) that are accurate portrait sculpture of the selected subject(s) based on reasonably available historical materials. Further details will be discussed during the contracting phase.