Public Art Commission: Carpenter Recreation Center Atrium

The Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO), in collaboration with the city of Thornton, is seeking to commission large-scale, original public art for installation in the atrium of the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center, located at 11151 Colorado Boulevard, Thornton, CO 80233. This project will produce public art work that speaks to the location, has a positive visual impact, and welcomes visitors to the facility. The final work should help push Thornton into a contemporary setting and help it become a destination-city engaged in important conversations on art and culture.

The Carpenter Recreation Center atrium is 1,274 square feet with a ceiling that ranges from 22 feet at its highest point to 9 feet at its lowest. Artists are encouraged to think "outside the box" to create work that speaks to the building's kinetic energy and focus on health and wellness. Successful proposals should demonstrate a unique and creative interpretation of the space, cohesive designs, dynamic use of color and composition, interdisciplinary practice with emphasis on creative and innovative materials and technology, experience in large-scale fabrication and installation, and a holistic approach to place-making. Available installation areas include the ceiling (54'.08" x 38'.06"), a tower with a 31' 2" radius and 33' dome height, and six wall cut-outs (each roughly 6'.07" x 3'.11"). The artwork must be indoors but able to withstand temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. Materials must be durable, lightweight if suspended, and require minimal maintenance. The design must be family-friendly and cannot contain business promotions, advertisements, intellectual property breaches, or depictions of illegal activities.

This nationwide call is open to all artists, design teams, and architectural firms age 18 and over, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. Preference will be given to those with proven history of fabricating and installing large-scale public work. City of Thornton employees are not eligible. The project budget is $46,000, inclusive of artist fees and all project costs. The submission deadline is May 3, 2020 at 5 p.m. The review and selection process will occur May–June, with award and installation July–December and a final project deadline of December 31, 2020. The Carpenter Recreation Center is open Monday–Friday 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The awarded artist will need to coordinate and schedule installation around operational hours. Work samples should include 4–10 images and up to 2 videos (4–12 total samples).