McIntosh Lake Distance Markers Public Art Commission

The City of Longmont's Art in Public Places Commission is seeking distance markers for McIntosh Lake to inform walkers, bikers, and runners of their distance as they circle the lake's 3.6-mile trail. The City of Longmont is located 10 miles east of the foothills and 25 miles north of Denver. The public art program was established in 1989 and has 50 permanent installations throughout the city.

McIntosh Lake sits on the northwest side of the City, surrounded by neighborhoods with ranch-style homes from the 1960s-70s, high-end houses from the 2000s, and various townhomes and apartments. The lake was opened to the public in 2005. The surrounding trail is approximately 50% pea gravel and 50% concrete, with a standard width of 12 feet. The trail accommodates pedestrians, bikers, runners, dogs, and bird watchers year-round. The lake is open to non-motorized boats including canoes and kayaks. The annual "Mud Hen" race is held every April and runs the full 3.6-mile distance.

Up to $20,000 is available for a Colorado artist or team of artists, covering design, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, artists' insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. Any practicing visual artist residing in Colorado may apply; students pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees in fine art are not eligible. Galleries may apply on behalf of individual artists. Applicants must submit 10 images total. Collaborating artists should submit a resume for each artist. A selection panel of citizens, artists, city staff, and lake neighbors will review submissions based on quality and innovation, timelessness, compatibility with the site, permanence, and public safety. Three finalists will be invited to tour the site and make presentations; an honorarium and travel stipend are provided. Installation is scheduled for 2011. Artists must consider snowplows, wildlife, and the many users of the trail in their designs.