Eaton Public Library Art Project

Eaton is a thriving, agriculturally based community located on the Front Range of Colorado, 60 miles north of Denver. Built in 1911, the Eaton Public Library building was donated to the town by Rebecca Eaton in memory of her husband former Colorado Governor Benjamin H. Eaton. The original structure has been expanded over time with additions in 1992 and 2015. Today, the 12,500 square foot brick building serves a growing population of approximately 6000 people.

The Library and the Art Task Force seek three-dimensional concepts that incorporate the attributes of a library – the magic of learning, the excitement of exploration, the adventure of reading. The art should be suitable for a broad audience of all ages and site-appropriate for a residential neighborhood. The ideal artwork will create visual interest and sense of place. Designs may be representational or abstract but must respond appropriately to the location and setting. The installation can be interactive or contain moving parts, but this is not required. Materials should be of high artistic quality and durable to withstand all types of weather conditions including extreme temperature swings. All proposed artwork requires certification by a structural engineer to ensure safety and durability. Once the Eaton Library Art Task Force accepts the final design and payment is made, Eaton Public Library will retain all rights of the final design.

Up to three (3) artists may be selected as finalists based on past work, artist bio with references, a strong written letter of intent, and experience working collaboratively. Finalists will receive a $300 design fee to develop a proposal and maquette for final consideration. A minimum of two progress reports will be required showing the evolution of the artist's design. Final design work must be original and include all details necessary for fabrication and installation. Approval by the Library Board will be based on design aesthetic merit, originality, creativity, innovation, appropriateness to the site, structural soundness, and resistance to vandalism.

Application packet must include: artist resume showing experience with manufacture and installation of similar designs, at least three (3) professional references, letter of intent describing expected design approach and materials, and six (6) to eight (8) digital images of completed past work with descriptions including title, medium, cost, dimensions, location, and date produced. This opportunity is open to professional artists who are 18 years of age or older and reside in the United States.