Creative Commission: Canadian Penny Collection Display/Art Piece

Closing Date of Opportunity: December 29, 2025

Name or Organization: Shirlee Friesz

Contact Email: shirleef@shaw.ca

Post Content: I am seeking a talented and imaginative art student or emerging artist to help design and create a unique, custom wall-mounted art piece that incorporates a collection of Canadian pennies. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a creative and workable idea.
Project Goal
To transform a Canadian penny collection from a stored box collection into a functional, aesthetically rich piece of Craftsman-style wall art for a residential living room. There are two phases, Phase 1 is design concept, Phase 2 is production of the piece. This posting is for Phase 1 only.
Key Requirements & Creative Directives
• Dual Visibility: Ideally the design would allow the viewer to see both the 'Heads' and 'Tails' sides of the pennies if desired (e.g., removable mounting, clear enclosure).
• Artistic Merit: The final piece must transcend a mere display case and stand as a compelling piece of art in its own right.
• Material Focus: Strong emphasis on the use of natural, high-quality materials, including:
o Copper (to play on the penny's composition)
o Wood (Craftsman-appropriate species preferred)
o Leather
o Ceramic
o Glass
• Thematic Elements: The design should creatively play on the maple leaf motif and the rich color/texture of copper.
• The item must be functional: The item must be able to be reasonably cleaned, hung/placed, and not pose any danger to the seated guests near the piece.
• Costs to produce the final concept must be reasonable.
• Aesthetic Style: The finished work must fit into a home with a Craftsman/Arts and Crafts interior design aesthetic (e.g., emphasizing natural materials, fine craftsmanship, and rectilinear or organic forms). Edgy but not too edgy.
• Concept Development: I am open to innovative ideas! While I am considering a concept and there are the parameters above, the artist is encouraged to propose original design concepts they believe meet the general spirit and criteria of the commission.
To Apply
Please reply with:
1. A brief paragraph introduction and outline of your artistic medium/focus.
2. An initial "mini-concept" paragraph on how you might approach this challenge, the materials you would use, and any unusual costs / materials you foresee in the design.
3. A quick sketch of what you envision,
4. A written paragraph of why you are interested in this project
Compensation: A fee of $200 will be paid to the student who produces the final chosen concept (Phase 1). Additional fees can be negotiated to further develop the concept, these fees will be negotiated. Phase 2 (creation of the piece) will be determined at a later date based on the scope, materials, and costs of the chosen design/concept.
I’m looking forward to collaborating on this exciting project!