public art opportunity: high desert botanical campus

The City of Grand Junction and the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture (GJCAC) are seeking an artist to create original artwork for a greenhouse planned as part of a potential High Desert Botanical Campus. Concepts of the campus and greenhouse can be found in the site details of the call.

The selected artwork will contribute to the identity and experience of the greenhouse while creating a memorable point of interest for residents and visitors. Artists are encouraged to consider the greenhouse setting, its relationship to plants, nature, growth, community, and the surrounding environment when developing their concepts.

This opportunity is open to a wide range of artistic media, forms, and approaches. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, sculpture, installation, suspended artwork, wall-based work, functional artwork, mixed media, or other site-responsive concepts. Works incorporating a combination of media and forms will also be considered.

The artwork(s) should: 

• Create visual interest, excitement and a sense of discovery for visitors and residents

• Demonstrate creativity and a strong artistic vision

• Be an original creation of the artist(s)

• Respond thoughtfully to the greenhouse environment and its surrounding context

• Contribute positively to the character and experience of the potential High Desert Botanical Campus

• Demonstrate a level of quality and relevance that will remain meaningful to the community for years to come.

• Be designed with consideration for long-term public display, durability, safety, and maintenance.

Artists should propose materials and fabrication methods appropriate for the environmental conditions of the artwork's proposed location.

The artwork(s) should also:

• Be durable and suitable for long-term public display.

• Require minimal routine maintenance.

• Be resistant to vandalism, theft, scratching, fading, corrosion, or other foreseeable damage.

• Be structurally sound and designed with public safety in mind.

• Use materials and finishes that will maintain their appearance and integrity over time.

• Account for any environmental conditions associated with the greenhouse or surrounding site, including moisture, temperature fluctuations, sunlight, irrigation, or public interaction, as applicable.

The City may request modifications to a proposed design, materials, fabrication methods, or installation approach to address safety, durability, maintenance, accessibility, or site-related considerations.

Composition

All proposed artwork must be original and appropriate for placement in a public setting. The Artist Selection Panel will consider the artwork's appearance, scale, materials, visual impact, and relationship to the greenhouse and surrounding environment.

Artwork should demonstrate high standards of artistic quality, craftsmanship, durability, permanence, and broad public appeal. Because the greenhouse is anticipated to be visited regularly by residents and visitors of varying ages and backgrounds, the Selection Panel will also consider the suitability of the work for a highly visible public environment.

While the City and Commission support artistic expression and do not prescribe a particular artistic style or subject matter, artwork that is determined to conflict with the intended public use of the site or to be inconsistent with the public interest may not be approved.

Location

The Greenhouse will be constructed near the Colorado Riverfront Trail in the Las Colonias area.