Grand Junction Regional Center Group Homes - Public Art Commission

Qualifications are requested from artists interested in creating an exterior public artwork or artworks for the Grand Junction Regional Center Group Homes in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Grand Junction Regional Center (GJRC), dating back to 1919, serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have intensive needs through Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) and Home and Community Based Waiver programs. The center has 90+ residents living in group homes throughout the community. This Art in Public Places project encompasses two new group homes that will be built on a shared site in northeast Grand Junction in a residential neighborhood with views of the Book Cliffs. Each home will be approximately 3,900 square feet with 6 single, private bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, a den, and visiting rooms. There will be a shared outdoor space with several walking paths for residents to enjoy.

The Art Selection Committee is looking to commission an artwork to be located on the exterior of the two new group homes, near or along the planned nature walking trails. Artworks should create a sense of place and respite and could be integrated into the landscape. A series of dispersed artworks along the walking path(s) is preferred to a single artwork. Many residents have specific sensory needs, so artworks that are tactile, interactive, or kinetic would be particularly successful. The durability and safety of the artwork and proposed materials is important to ensure safety of both the artwork and residents. The committee will consider artistic excellence, scale, material, form and content, safety of materials, appropriate relationship to site function, resistance to wear and vandalism, and ease of maintenance. Local artists from the Grand Valley area and artists with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Budget: $32,000 covers all costs including artist design fee, structural engineering, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, building or site modifications, travel, per diem, project documentation, and contingency. Applicants must be Colorado residents. Submit 6-8 digital images of previously completed artworks, a current résumé, and a statement of interest (250 words or less) via the CaFÉ system. There is no application fee. Semifinalists will be invited to present a final proposal in person and will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Selection committee meets August/September 2022, artist presentations September/October 2022, construction completion February 2023, and site landscaping and artwork installation Spring 2023.