Sea Lion Public Art Project
Artist-Designed Sea Lion Mother & Pup Sculptures
The Pbid*, in collaboration with Arts United San Pedro, invites artists to submit proposals to transform two fiberglass sea lion sculptures—a mother and her pup—into a unique work of public art celebrating San Pedro’s creative community, coastal environment, and connection to the Los Angeles Harbor.
*The PBID is a Non Profit that encompasses a District which includes more than 795 parcels of properties in Downtown San Pedro and along the LA Waterfront. Discover San Pedro, administered by the San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District (SPHWBID), is a coalition of property owners committed to enhancing the quality of life along the Downtown San Pedro Waterfront. It aims to help the downtown district achieve its full potential as a great place to own a business, visit, work or live. To assure that Downtown San Pedro is safe and clean, the SPPOA’s team of maintenance, safety and customer service staff builds on the services provided by the City of Los Angeles.
Artist Stipend: $1,104 for both sculptures
Completed Artwork Due: October 1, 2026
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 11:59pm PST
*Sculptures will need to be primed and prepped for design by chosen artist(s).
About the Project
The Pbid, in collaboration with Arts United San Pedro, is seeking an artist to develop and execute an original design for a pair of pre-fabricated fiber-glass harbor seal sculptures.
The sculptures depict a mother sea lion and her baby pup and are intended to function as a coordinated public artwork. The selected artist will use the sculptures as their canvas, creating a design that visually connects the two pieces while celebrating the character, culture, environment, or artistic spirit of San Pedro.
Once completed, the sculptures will be publicly displayed in San Pedro, bringing art into shared community spaces and creating a colorful and memorable landmark for residents and visitors.
The Sculptures
The selected artist will receive two unfinished fiberglass sea lion sculptures:
Momma Sea Lion
- Size: 35″ × 60″ × 32″ H
- Weight: 35 lbs.
Baby Sea Lion
- Size: 27″ × 24″ × 17″ H
- Weight: 9 lbs.
Artists should approach the two sculptures as a single artistic composition, creating designs that complement, connect, or interact with one another.
Design Inspiration
We encourage artists to think creatively and bring their own artistic voice to the project. Designs may draw inspiration from:
- San Pedro’s waterfront and harbor
- Local marine life and ecology
- The Pacific Ocean
- San Pedro’s history and cultural identity
- The community’s diverse neighborhoods and people
- San Pedro’s arts and creative community
- Environmental stewardship and conservation
- The relationship between a mother and child
- Play, discovery, movement, and connection
These themes are intended as inspiration rather than limitations. Originality, creativity, and a strong visual connection between the two sculptures are encouraged.
Scope of Work
The selected artist or artist team will be responsible for:
- Developing an original artistic concept for both sculptures
- Creating a cohesive design connecting the mother and pup
- Preparing the fiberglass surfaces as necessary
- Painting and/or applying approved artistic materials to the sculptures
- Working with Arts United San Pedro on any necessary design revisions
- Using materials and techniques appropriate for durable public artwork
- *Sculptures will need to be primed and prepped for design by chosen artist(s).
- Completing both sculptures no later than October 2, 2026
- Participating in reasonable documentation and promotion of the completed project
Because the sculptures are intended for public display, materials and finishes should be appropriate for the environment in which they will be installed. Final protective coating requirements must be provided as part of the project specifications.
Artist Stipend
$1,104 Total Commission
The selected artist or artist team will receive a $1,104 stipend for the design and completion of both the Momma and Baby Sea Lion sculptures.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to all artists residing or working in San Pedro, Harbor City, and Long Beach. Artists working in painting, murals, illustration, public art, mixed media, sculpture, and other visual art practices are encouraged to apply. Individual artists and artist teams are welcome to submit proposals.
How to Apply
Artists should submit:
- Artist Bio/Statement
A brief introduction to you and your artistic practice. - Concept Statement
A brief description of your vision for the Momma and Baby Sea Lion. - Proposed Design
Sketches, digital renderings, illustrations, or other visuals demonstrating how you envision treating both sculptures. Designs do not need to be final but should clearly communicate your concept. - Work Samples
3–5 examples of previous artwork that demonstrate your style and ability. - Materials & Process
A brief description of the materials and techniques you anticipate using. - Contact Information
Name, email, phone number, website and/or social media.
Prior public art experience is preferred but not mandatory.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Artistic quality and originality
- Strength of the overall concept
- Visual relationship between the Momma and Baby Sea Lion
- Connection to San Pedro, its community, culture, or coastal environment
- Ability of the design to translate successfully onto a three-dimensional surface
- Appropriateness and durability for public display
- Feasibility of completing the project by the deadline
Project Timeline
Call for Artists Opens: August 17, 2026
Artist Submission Deadline: August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm PST
Selected Artist Notified: September 8, 2026
Sculptures Available to Artist: September 11, 2026 (to be coordinated with Pbid)
Completed Artwork Due: October 2, 2026
Public Installation/Unveiling: [TBD]
Submit Your Proposal
Please submit all application materials electronically to:
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 at 11:59pm PST
Questions regarding the project may be directed to alexis@artsunitedsp.org. Please see the photo below for the sculptures. These will be the ones you will be working on.