Art in Public Buildings RFQ: Wyoming State Forestry Helibase Project

This request for qualifications seeks artists to create artwork for the Wyoming State Forestry Helibase, a new facility located on the Casper Airport grounds northwest of Casper, Wyoming. The facility will house the Wyoming State Helitack Program, which provides initial attack helicopter services for fire suppression and emergency response throughout Wyoming. The program has completed twenty operational seasons since inception, with wildfire suppression comprising approximately 90% of missions.

The selection committee has identified two locations for artwork: an exterior alcove near the southwest corner of the building visible from a nearby road and the facility parking lot, and an interior entry space that is the only publicly accessible portion of the facility. The committee seeks one work of art for each location, either two-dimensional or three-dimensional, that engages with the physical location and Wyoming setting. Suggested themes include honoring fire responders, bravery, public service, nature, fire, and aviation. Traditional murals, mosaics, projection/light works, sculptures, and shallow relief are of interest, though all ideas are welcome. For the interior location, the committee is specifically interested in pieces with a small physical footprint but large impact utilizing light and shadow. Highly reflective objects for the exterior will pose a safety concern for pilots and the control tower. The artwork should not greatly extend off the wall in the interior entryway.

The total project budget available for artwork is $90,000.00. Submissions are due May 9, 2025 via CaFÉ and must include a portfolio demonstrating previous work, a cover letter addressing the project, and up to 10 images and 2 videos. Selected finalists will be invited to submit a complete formal design proposal including budget, timeline, renderings, and all costs for planning, fabrication, delivery, and installation. The selection committee will review submissions in June 2025, with finalist presentations potentially occurring in late July/early August 2025. Construction has yet to begin with scheduled occupancy in Fall 2026. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, at least 18 years old, and full-time residents of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, or Wyoming. Final artwork becomes the property of the Wyoming State Museum, though artists retain copyright.