ARTS & CULTURE |He’s a state legend with ties to Lynchburg and the State of Tennessee recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the creation of a bronze statue of David Crockett, to be placed in front of the Tennessee State Capitol.

Interested artists can find the full RFP and application details on the Tennessee Arts Commission website. The deadline for submissions is February 14, 2025.

He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representative and is broadly known as the King of the Wild Frontier for his larger-than-life exploits that were often popularized by stories and plays about him. While in Congress, he vehemently opposed many of the policies of President Andrew Jackson, especially the Indian Removal Act. He ultimately died at the Battle of the Alamo in Texas.

A marker dedicated to the Crockett Homestead sits at the intersection of Highway 55 and Cobb Hollow Road in Moore County.

It states, “One miles south on the south side of the East Branch of the Mulberry Creek, David Crockett built a log house in which he lived from 1811 to 1813. While here, he hunted, and cleared a field three miles northwest of “Hungry Hill.” When bears and other game became scarce, he moved to better hunting grounds in Franklin County.”

Crockett lived in Franklin County with his wife, Polly. Cowan once hosted a festival in her honor each September.

The statue will be placed on a pedestal above the entrance to the Motlow Tunnel on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Interestingly, the Motlow Tunnel is named for two other Lynchburg natives, Jack Daniel descendant Lem Motlow and his son, Reagor Motlow.

Project boasts a $600,000 budget

The project is open to established visual artists living in the United States with at least 10 years of professional experience working on public art projects. Applicants must have a proven track record, having created and installed multiple public art projects, including bronze statues or similar sculptures.

If selected, the artist will be responsible for designing a traditional, full-body, cast bronze statue approximately 9-10 feet tall, creating a one-third scale clay model for approval by the State, overseeing fabrication and installation of the statue on a stone base provided by the state, as well as providing a maintenance plan for the statue.

Images provided in the RFP depict the intended style and location of the statue, including official inspiration images for the likeness of David Crockett.

The project budget is approximately $600,000, covering all artist costs from design to installation and insurance. The State will provide separate funding for the base and other associated costs.

Up to five finalists will be selected for in-person interviews and will receive a travel stipend of up to $2,000. Final selection will be made by the State Capitol Commission. •

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