2025 Town of Carbondale, CO Public Art Commission - Art Around Town

The Town of Carbondale, CO Public Art Commission is seeking 15 outdoor street sculptures for the annual rotating "Art Around Town" show. Each artist may display up to four original sculptures with a $1,000 honorarium per sculpture awarded upon selection by the Selection Committee. A $250 travel allowance for out-of-town artists will also be awarded.

The show is located in downtown Carbondale on Main Street and the Rio Grande Trail. Carbondale is located 30 miles from Aspen and draws a diverse local and international community. The Public Art Commission assists in marketing and sales of the sculptures. An Artist Reception and Community Art Walk takes place on June 5, 2025.

All sculptures will be placed on Colorado Yule Marble blocks with custom steel plates. Sculptures must arrive with a steel plate attached to the bottom for tack welding to the marble. A Public Works installation crew will assist with welding, lifting, and placement. Artists must be present for both installation (May 22–June 4, 2025) and deinstallation (May 1–May 15, 2026). The Town cannot receive sculpture shipments on behalf of artists.

Sculptures must be fabricated from highly durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for Carbondale's weather fluctuations. Consideration must be made for height, shape, and sharp objects in high pedestrian/biking areas. Sculptures will not be allowed illumination due to outdoor lighting codes. Sculptures will be on display for one year.

Applicants must submit up to 10 high-resolution digital images showing all angles and the base with steel plate, detailed installation information (height, width, weight, base dimensions, points of contact, and sketch), and a brief artist statement. There is no application fee. Selected artists will be notified March 5, 2025, with contracts due March 19, 2025.