2021 Public Art Commission: Trail Winds Recreation Center

The City of Thornton, in collaboration with the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), is seeking to commission original public art for the Trail Winds Recreation Center located at 13495 Holly Street, Thornton, CO 80602. This project will commission large-scale, 3D, site-specific work with strong visual impact. The working area is approximately 17 feet by 21 feet with no height restrictions. The piece will be installed outdoors on an island in front of the facility, highly visible to vehicles and pedestrians. The site includes conduit for pieces utilizing dynamic lighting elements.

The project seeks work that speaks to the location, has positive visual impact, and welcomes visitors to the facility. Artists are strongly encouraged to explore contemporary materials, themes, and interdisciplinary practices. Prior to 2018, the Thornton Public Art Collection utilized similar materials such as masonry and bronze. In 2020, emphasis shifted to future-forward design, viewer activation, and a piece's relation to physical space. Successful proposals should demonstrate cohesive and forward-thinking design, dynamic use of color and composition, interdisciplinary practice with innovative materials and technology, experience in large-scale fabrication and installation, and strong understanding of audience engagement and outdoor public art durability requirements.

The project budget is $84,000, inclusive of artist fees and all project costs associated with fabrication, transportation, shipping, installation, and insurance. This is an international call open to all artists, design teams, and architectural firms age 18 and over. Work samples should include 3-10 images and 0-5 videos (3-15 total samples minimum). The review process consists of four rounds: Portfolio Review, Semi-Finalist Deliberation, Design Presentations, and Final Deliberation. Semifinalists will receive a modest honorarium to create a site-specific proposal. The design must be family-friendly, durable, require minimal maintenance, and account for temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight, and other environmental factors. The design cannot contain business promotions, advertisements, intellectual property breaches, or depictions of illegal activities.