CALL FOR MURALISTS: CELEBRATE ELM CITY AND WILSON COUNTY'S BASKETBALL LEGACY

Wilson Arts, The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House and African American Museum, and the Town of Elm City invite muralists to create a vibrant, location-specific mural celebrating Elm City's rich basketball history and the legacy of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Harvey Reid Jr. Reid coached for over 40 years at Frederick Douglass, Elm City High School, and Fike, where he also served as a math teacher and athletic director. He holds the record as North Carolina's all-time winningest coach with a record of 816-208, including a 69-game winning streak. Reid passed away in 1991 after suffering a heart attack during a playoff game, one year after his induction into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame.

The mural will be located at 101 West Main Street, Elm City, NC 27822 in downtown Elm City. The wall is approximately 66 feet long and 35 feet tall. Mural designs must not cover more than 75% of the wall space and should be painted on the lower half of the wall (approximately 15 feet tall and 66 feet wide/long) to avoid interfering with planned future windows on the second level. Applicants must clearly indicate in their proposal how much of the wall they intend to paint and the general area to be covered.

One artist will be chosen and will receive a $6,000 honorarium. The artist is responsible for purchasing supplies and renting necessary equipment. Wilson Arts can offer some supplies and support if it does not further impact the budget. Artists are responsible for the entire mural execution, including hiring and paying assistants if chosen. Application requirements include a portfolio of 2-5 images of past mural or similar works, a narrative on approach to the mural including other commission work demonstrating ability to meet deadlines, an artist statement with biography and website/social media, and a preliminary budget working within the $6,000 budget including equipment rentals, materials, and any artist or assistant fees. Eligibility is open to visual artists 18 years or older.