City of Coeur d'Alene Mural Project

The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for two painted mural projects. Public art helps set the tone of a neighborhood and builds community identity by making ordinary spaces extraordinary and accessible to everyone.

Sherman Square Park Mural: Located at 316 Sherman Avenue in Downtown Coeur d'Alene, this mural will be painted on the west-facing wall of the building housing the Pita Pit restaurant at the east end of the park. The concrete wall is 60 feet wide and slopes from approximately 22 feet tall to 18 feet tall. The goal is to beautify and revitalize this primary gathering area used for concerts and frequented by locals, shoppers, and tourists. There is no theme requirement, but the work should be appropriate for viewers of all ages and reflect the vibrant beauty of the downtown community. An existing mural will need to be painted over. Budget: up to $12,000.

Centennial Trail Underpass Mural: Located near the confluence of the North Idaho Centennial Trail and the Prairie Trail, this underpass sees thousands of yearly visitors including cyclists, commuters, and families. The east side of the Seltice Way Trail Overpass is 128 feet long by approximately 30 feet tall with 4 columns. The west side is 128 feet long by approximately 30 feet tall plus four columns (approximately 15 feet tall with 32-inch diameter). The goal is to beautify this busy underpass. There is no theme requirement, allowing creative interpretation that reflects the vibrant beauty and spirit of adventure the trail embodies. The work should be appropriate for viewers of all ages. Budget: up to $38,000.

Eligibility: Open to artists, designers, and creative individuals residing in the Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington). Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission members and selection committee members are not eligible. Each artist or artist team may submit up to five designs. Artists can submit designs for both projects but can only be selected as the winner of one. Initial submissions must include a resume reflecting experience with public art on a similar scale, at least one clearly identified image of the proposal/concept, and up to five clearly identified images of previous work. Artwork must be original works (new or existing) not on display in other public art programs within 200 miles of Coeur d'Alene. Artwork may not contain advertising, religious art, sexual content, negative imagery, or convey political partisanship. Murals must be painted directly on the surface using outdoor grade, weather-resistant paint expected to have a lifespan of at least seven years. Selected artists must own all equipment and materials needed for safe execution. Submissions must include a description of materials and dimensions, a budget, and an artist statement. Selection will be based on artistic quality, context, diversity, feasibility, and evidence of the artist's ability to successfully complete the work. Timeline: Call opened July 13, 2016; concepts due August 13, 2016; artists notified by August 26, 2016; final drawings due September 9, 2016; painting to be completed by October 28, 2016. The chosen artists will receive an up-front negotiated draw from the budget, with the remaining balance paid upon acceptance of the final artwork.