Mary Trebing Sculpture

The City of Louisville, Colorado is seeking an artist or team of artists to design and install a sculpture that celebrates the life and accomplishments of Mary Trebing. In the context of Colorado's 150th anniversary in 2026, this public art installation also aims to celebrate the diversity and rich cultural history of Louisville's community. The sculpture will be located outside in Louisville's Memory Square Park near the Louisville Center for the Arts and Louisville Swimming Pool, a popular park for families and events.

The artwork will be exposed to the weather and must be made of durable materials. The artwork will be freestanding and will not be fenced off from the public. Since this is a high traffic park, the piece should be able to tolerate interaction from the public. Artists are welcome to lean into this circumstance by making the piece purposely kinetic and interactive. The sculpture should be reflective of the family-oriented atmosphere and the park's historic and artistic importance.

Mary Elizabeth Trebing (1920-1943) attended Louisville Public School at Memory Square Park from 1929-1934. She became one of only 15 WASPS from Colorado to serve during WWII as an Army Air Force Ferry Pilot. On November 7, 1943, her plane crashed and she died in service. She was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on September 30, 2010. The commissioned artwork should consider Mary's unique story and accomplishments as a female Airforce pilot while honoring the historical value of this space. Proposals are open to emerging and established artists living and working in Colorado. The budget is $30,000.