City of Longmont Humane Society Public Art Project

The City of Longmont's Art in Public Places Commission has selected the Longmont Humane Society as a site for an upcoming public art project. The new Longmont Humane Society Allen Center, which opened in 2008, provides 58,000 square feet of space and serves 5,000 animals a year. The facility lies on the south end of the Boulder County Fairgrounds, just off Nelson Road and Hover Street.

An exterior site has been selected for this project. Artists will be asked to consider one of two "planter" areas just outside the main entrance. Passers-by on Nelson Road will be able to see the artwork from vehicles, as will those entering/exiting the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The artwork must be able to withstand Colorado's harsh weather conditions including freeze/thaw and intense sunlight; animal urine must be taken into consideration as well. Selected work must display compatibility with site, appropriateness, timelessness, and quality. Artwork must be low maintenance, durable and permanent.

Up to $20,000 is available for a Colorado artist or team of artists. This figure includes all fees for design, materials, fabrication, transportation, and installation of artwork; artists' insurance; and any miscellaneous expenses relating to site preparation and licensing fees. Finalists will have the opportunity to visit the site for which a travel stipend will be offered. Any practicing visual artist residing in Colorado may apply. Students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees in fine art are not eligible. Galleries may apply on behalf of individual artists. Artists wishing to collaborate may do so, submitting 10 images total and a resume for each artist. A selection panel made up of citizens, artists, city staff, and Longmont Humane Society staff and/or board members will review all submissions. Three finalists will be invited to tour the site and subsequently make presentations to the selection panel. Installation is scheduled for Autumn 2009.