The City of Mentor is issuing a Request for Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for the creation and installation of a life-size statue of former U.S. President James A. Garfield, to be placed at a designated site in Mentor, Ohio, by July 4, 2026.
Qualified sculptors are invited to submit SOQs by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Submissions must include a five-page narrative addressing the project’s scoring criteria and up to two pages of images of prior work. Criteria include sculptor experience, staff qualifications, availability, past performance, and project approach with timeline.
The selected sculptor will work with city officials to finalize the statue’s design and materials, establish a timeline with approval milestones, and assist with installation on a city-provided foundation. Attendance at a dedication ceremony is also required.
This project is to be funded by the City of Mentor with support from private foundations and federal grants. The project will follow a qualification-based selection process, with the City reserving the right to reject any or all submissions.
Questions may be directed to Kevin Grippi, Grant Supervisor, at (440) 974-5714 or [email protected].