heARTS of LYONS 2026 Sculpture Call

The heARTS of LYONS Outdoor Arts Collection is a perennial celebration of art and sculpture displayed outdoors throughout Lyons, Colorado. Known as "the hip little town everyone loves" (population 2,200), Lyons is an arts-rooted destination in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, recently awarded official Colorado Creative District status. The rotating collection showcases sculptures in the town's historic downtown, along the state highway, and on the banks of the St. Vrain River. Works are promoted through the town's social media, tourism campaigns, guided art tours, and a self-guided mobile app.

The town offers a $1,000 honorarium for the loan of artists' work ($500 upon install and $500 upon de-install). Artists must agree to a two-year placement and sign a formal Artist/Lender Agreement. All works on display can be made available for public purchase, and artists are asked to consider a 5-10% commission to the Lyons Arts & Humanities Commission for any sales.

Artists may submit up to three works. Free-standing sculptures are preferred, and wood sculptures should be avoided as this material does not withstand outdoor elements. The Town of Lyons generally provides landing bases (usually red sandstone) for each work. Artists are responsible for transporting their works to and from the landing site and overseeing installation. Selection criteria will consider durability, line of sight, public safety, aesthetic merit, and artistic merit. Colorado and regional artists are preferred.