Denver Great Kids Head Start/Lowry Mile High Montessori Public Art Commission

The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) seeks to commission a Colorado artist or team of artists for a site-specific public art commission at Denver's Great Kids Head Start/Lowry Mile High Montessori, located at 957 Ulster Way, approximately 15 minutes east of downtown Denver. The Project Evaluation Panel (PEP) seeks artwork that is child-friendly, creative, and interactive, providing an inviting, refreshing, and positive experience for the children and families who use the center daily. Approximately 85 children from diverse, multicultural backgrounds attend the center each day.

The facility includes several indoor classrooms scaled to the needs of children ages birth to 5 years, two playground areas near the classrooms, and separate interior spaces for privacy and safety. The PEP has identified the following public art opportunities: the drop-off and pick-up area at the entrance for possible 3D/kinetic/way-finding artwork to emphasize the front door; the main entrance interior wall and corridors; and exterior locations on grounds closer to neighborhood streets. The PEP is open to additional locations of the artist's choice.

The Head Start program provides comprehensive early care and education services to low-income families meeting income eligibility guidelines. The facility implements the Montessori Approach to child development, consistent with Head Start Performance Standards. Entry deadline: April 6, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Eight images required for submission.