Water Treatment and Reclamation Art

The City of Greeley is seeking a public artist to create a work of art for the Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility. The selected artist will develop a sculpture that showcases one or more of the facility's wastewater treatment and reclamation processes, such as cleaning water to be returned to the river or the use of microbiology. The finished sculpture should be eye-catching and visible from street view, with an above-ground concrete pedestal incorporated into the foundation to protect the artwork from vehicles.

The total contracted amount is not to exceed $80,000 and must cover all costs including design/development, foundation, transportation, fabrication, delivery, and installation. The artist must provide complete artistic, engineering, professional, and construction services. The artwork should have an average life expectancy of 20-30 years and be designed to withstand Colorado's weather extremes with minimal maintenance and fading. All media must be safe for humans and animals, of industrial-grade durability, and free from logos, copyrighted images, or advertisements. The artist shall not sell full-size reproductions of the design to any public entity within 100 miles of Greeley.

Up to five artists will be shortlisted based on past experience, relevant work, and a strong letter of intent. Finalists will be required to attend an onsite tour of the facility in October 2025 and present conceptual ideas via Teams in January 2026. The selection panel will evaluate submissions based on artistic merit, technical ability, understanding of context, demonstrated success on comparable projects, and ability to create an engaging, easily maintained work that honors water treatment and reclamation. The approved artist will be placed under a design/build contract in January 2026, with design and construction documents due by March 2026 and installation preferably by September 2026.