Monument Connector Trail Artwork Call for Artists

The City of Grand Junction and the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture invite artists to create a shade shelter to install along the Monument Connector Trail paved path. The shelter should be structurally sound and include artistic elements that can be appreciated by trail users, similar to the existing shelter at the Lunch Loops Trailhead.

The shade shelter must be a minimum of 18 ft wide by 14 ft deep by 10 ft high. The design, construction, and materials should be very durable, require minimal maintenance, and be resistant to theft, vandalism, and weathering. The artwork should provide excitement and interest for visitors and residents, complement the natural features of the area, and be an original creation. The shelter will be located at a viewpoint overlooking the Colorado National Monument.

The project is open to all artists age 21 and over. Preference points may be given to local Colorado artists. Selection will be based on past artwork experience, building experience, style, concept, ability to comply with the timeline, and references. The budget cannot exceed $14,000 and includes design, creation, and installation. The artist is responsible for all costs associated with the proposal submission and, if selected, for all costs involved in design, fabrication, transportation, insurance, delivery, and installation. The installation timeline is tentative and adjustable based on construction and artist timeline. Selected artists will be responsible for acquiring engineering drawings and a building permit. Due to trail width restrictions, transportation of the shelter is limited to a pickup truck and possible trailer with a 5-ton vehicle limit.

Applications must include a letter of interest (not to exceed 1 page), resume (not to exceed 2 pages), proposal (2 pages including budget), design sketches, and 3-10 images of original representative work in .JPG or .JPEG format (maximum 1024 x 768 pixels, no larger than 1mb each). Submission deadline is May 20, 2025. Artists will be notified June 5, 2025, with installation scheduled for August 29, 2025.