Some think it's cheesy when DC does it, but every major city is doing it... Anyway.... New York City has a call for artists for a public art project....

Big Apple Fest: Artists to Decorating Oversized Apple Sculptures.

Deadline: May 1, 2004

Big Apple Fest is inviting artists to submit designs for decorating more than 300 oversized apple sculptures that will be on display throughout New York City this summer as part of an art project that has been well-received in many other cities (such as DC and LA) and which benefits charities in Gotham.

There are two versions of the 4-foot diameter apples: opaque fiberglass, which allows the artist to decorate the skin of the apple; clear acrylic, which allows the artist to create a 3-D image inside the apple as well as decorate the exterior. Apples sponsored by corporations, civic groups, cultural institutions, and other organizations and designed by professional artists and school children, will be on display from mid-August through mid-October.

Professional or amateur, youth, or adult-all are welcome to create imaginative designs, celebrating the international spirit of New York City. Artists whose designs are selected for exhibition will be paid a $1,500 honorarium. After the conclusion of the exhibit, Sotheby's will hold a live auction of the Big Apples; a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Police Athletic League, City Harvest, and the NYC & Company Foundation.

For more information, including artist submission requirements and sponsorship opportunities, contact the managing director, Jon Clay, at 212-599-0409 or visit the website at www.bigapplefest.com.