Home » Calling Artists To Help Light Lenin

Calling Artists To Help Light Lenin

Lenin in his lighted chapeau, as designed by Logan's Hammer, in December 2009. Photo by K. Lindsay

For the 2010 Lenin Lighting, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and the Fremont First Friday Art Walk have organized a short notice ‘Call For Artists’ to find a lighting design.  Each year, the Fremont Chamber strings lights on the 8-ton bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin that stands in “Red Triangle” in front of Royal Grinders (3526 Fremont Place N).  On the first friday of December – this year on the 3rd – they hold “Lenin Lighting” where the gathered crowd can enjoy warm drinks, lively music, Santa, and limited chatter by a celebrity host during the short build-up to the switch being flipped to turn on the lights.

The design of the lights has varied greatly over the years – from red lights tied haphazardly around the dictator like a hog tie to an elaborate tree design that made it appear the dictator stood in jail.  This year, unless a creative, and quick minded, local artist  steps forward, a red star will sit upon the statue’s noggin’ once again.

Designs from artists are being solicited until 5pm on Friday, November 19th.  The artist will be notified of acceptance of their design on Saturday, November 20th, and then must be able to  execute their design in one week – the week of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Sketches of design ideas, along with an inventory of material costs, can be submitted to  fremontfirstfriday@gmail.com.   Designs must be –

  • Holiday Themed
  • Use LED lights
  • Set upon the head/shoulders of the sculpture, so as not to be tampered with by passer-by
  • Sturdy, for use in future years and able to withstand normal winter weather wear

The artist with the design chosen will recieve a reimbursement of $500 for material, with the finished piece becoming property of the Fremont Chamber.   The artist will receive recognition in all Fremont First Art Walk and the Fremont Chamber promotional materials related to the Lenin Lighting – plus press coverage of this annual outrageousness.

Any questions can be directed to fremontfirstfriday@gmail.com.  Good luck!