2026 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 is allowed the opportunity to display up to four original sculptures with a $1,000 honorarium per sculpture awarded by the Selection Committee. An increased amount of $500 will also be awarded to all selected artists as a travel allowance. This highly recognized and esteemed show is located in downtown Carbondale, CO, on Main St. and the Rio Grande Trail. The Town of Carbondale, CO is located 30 miles from Aspen and draws in a diverse local and international community for art appreciation, as well as being included in a Creative Arts District.

All sculptures will be placed on both large and small random sized blocks of Colorado Yule Marble from Marble, CO. Each piece of marble has a custom steel plate adhered to the top of the marble. Sculptures will be tack welded to the steel plate on top of the marble, so it is imperative that every sculpture arrive for installation with a steel plate attached to the bottom of the sculpture. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made for installation. Artist must be present for installation and deinstallation of the sculpture. The Town of Carbondale is not able to receive sculpture shipments on behalf of an artist.

Applicants are expected to consider durability and weather-proofing of materials while on display in Carbondale. The weather fluctuates from intense cold and snow to drought heat. Materials of the sculpture should be fabricated of highly durable, low maintenance materials. The sculptures will be located in high pedestrian/biking areas so consideration must be made for height, shape, durability, with no sharp objects protruding from the sculpture. The sculptures will not be allowed to be illuminated and will be on display for one year. An Artist Reception and Community Art Walk takes place on June 4, 2026, and artist attendance is highly recommended.