We are looking for craftspeople, engineers and artists to create a sidewalk memorial bench for the front of the studio entrance. This would be a place for both studio members and the community to gather, rest as well as drink and eat during breaks at the studio.

The bench is to remember long time studio member and Board President, Ned Smith. Ned was an accomplished potter looking for a place to continue his practice when he first took a class at Ruby’s in 2001. His professional experience as a landscape architect informed the large-scale outdoor fountains he created and the aesthetics of his beautiful plates, bowls, and vases which were often incised with forms of plants and trees. Ned was a kind, generous, and creatively inspiring presence at Ruby’s. He contributed in countless ways to the studio, using his skills in landscape architecture to advise the studio in many facilities projects. He helped with lease negotiations, was on the advisory committee when we invested in our gas kilns, and helped to fix things around the studio that needed attention. His warm, supportive personality and his generous creative and practical contributions made him an irreplaceable member of the Ruby’s community, and our beloved friend. Several of Ned’s closest friends, recognizing his life-long commitment to his creative work in ceramics and in numerous other fields, have joined with us at Ruby’s to create this bench in his honor and memory.

Budget: $5,700

The criteria for this project are:

1. It should take into account the grade of the hill on Noe St. between 18th and 19th Streets;

2. It can be made of any material (wood, steel, concrete, ceramic, etc.) and should stand up to weathering and be sturdy enough to last for decades with moderate care;

3. Be designed in a way that discourages people from sleeping on it;

4. Include in the design a space for a plaque to honor Ned Smith; and

5. Be esthetically pleasing and finely crafted.

Timeline:

Publish RFP: Extended Sept. 15th

Intend to Reply Deadline for Vendors: Sept. 30th, 2022

Vendor Question Deadline: Sept. 30th, 2022

Final Submission Due: Oct. 10th, 2022

Select Vendor: Oct. 15th. 2022

Project Completion Deadline: Dec. 31st, 2022