Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens
Deck the Boughs
- Deadline:
- Budget: $1,500 per artist
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Eligibility: residents of Snohomish, King, Skagit, Whatcom, Pierce Counties
We are seeking up to three artists to create imaginative ornaments or installations to hang in trees or to be placed in the Arboretum during the month of December. The ornaments or installations must use primarily natural or recycled materials, and preference will be given to ornaments that can withstand the weather and be reused. More expansive projects than ornaments for one tree will be considered, with fee to be negotiated. All ornaments become the property of the Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens.
Deck the Boughs background
After five years of installing tree lights for night viewing, the Arboretum changed to a daytime event in 2025 that featured willow stars, crocheted birds and animals, pinecone gnomes, pompoms, and tassels hung in trees. There were also three wishing trees, a winter solstice walk, and wildflower seed sowing. We would like to expand on the idea of natural ornamentation and/or recycled materials in 2026. In previous years about 10,000 people of all ages visited the gardens during the month of December.
Artist Fee: $1,500 per artist for creation and installation. Installation/removal assistance from the Arboretum must be negotiated in advance.
Timeline:
• Receipt of biography, previous works, and concept: Friday, August 28, 2026
• Selection Committee decision: September 16, 2026
• Installation to be completed by November 30, 2026
• Ornaments will be removed by January 16, 2027
Site tours prior to submitting a proposal are encouraged.
More Information: www.evergreenarboretum.com