Western Colorado University Vehicle Maintenance Garage Public Art Commission

Western Colorado University seeks qualifications from Colorado resident artists interested in creating a site-specific interior public artwork for the Vehicle Maintenance and Mountain Search and Rescue Garage in Gunnison, Colorado. The Art Selection Committee is commissioning an artwork to be located on the floor of the reception area of the garage.

The artwork must cover the entire 270 square feet reception area, though the design can be more centralized in the center area of approximately 135 square feet. Artwork can be any durable material that does not impede movement or usage of the space. Mosaic or designed flooring in tile, terrazzo, and concrete are feasible options. The committee seeks artworks or designs that serve WCU's mission, including creative interpretations of the school's seal, the Colorado state logo, or designs embracing WCU's mountaineer mascot and mountain location. The artwork may extend to the north and/or west walls of the reception area (approximately 170 and 160 square feet respectively). The committee is highly interested in artists using recycled and/or sustainable materials to align with campus goals and the building's LEED v. 4.1 certification.

The total budget for this project is $22,000, covering all costs including artist design fee, structural engineering, insurance, materials, fabrication, transportation, installation, and contingency. Applicants must submit 6-8 digital images of previously completed artworks, a current résumé, and a statement of interest (250 words or less) via the CaFÉ online platform. Semifinalists will be invited to prepare and present a final proposal in person and will receive a $1,000 honorarium. The selection committee will consider artistic excellence, technical competence, scale, material, form and content, appropriate relationship to site function, resistance to wear and vandalism, and ease of maintenance. All works of art commissioned are owned by the State of Colorado via Western Colorado University.