GJ Community Recreation Center Story Wall Call for Artists

The City of Grand Junction and the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture (GJCAC) are seeking an artist to create original artwork for the Community Recreation Center (CRC) Story Wall. The artwork should tell the story and history of the CRC and utilize the color palette specified in the site details. The Community Recreation Center will be located at Matchett Park, 2836 Recreation Way. The Story Wall is approximately 12 feet wide by 14 feet high, and artwork must not protrude more than 4 inches from the wall.

The artwork must be original and socially acceptable, with appearance and visual relationships to the surrounding environment considered. Works in a variety of media including metal, wood, plastics, and acrylic will be considered. The artwork should provide excitement and interest for visitors and residents, tell the story and history of the CRC, and include specific language recognizing the 45-year effort to create this public space. Materials must be long-lasting and resistant to vandalism or scratches. The budget for this project cannot exceed $20,000 and includes all costs: artist's design fee, travel, materials, fabrication, insurance, documentation, transportation, and installation. If professional installation is needed, this must be noted in the proposed budget.

The project is open to all artists age 21 and over. Preference points may be given to local Colorado artists. Artists must submit a letter of interest (not to exceed one page), resume (not to exceed two pages), one-page design description, concept sketch(es), and 3-5 images of original representative work in .JPG or .JPEG format (maximum 1024 x 768 pixels, no larger than 1MB each). The submission deadline is February 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Selected artists will be notified March 27, 2026, with an artwork installation window of July 1 - August 1, 2026.