bear creek greenway trail public art project

Introduction The Boulder Public Art Program seeks to commission one or two artists to create original artworks for two art locations on the Bear Creek Greenway Trail in Boulder, Colorado. This opportunity is for artwork on each entry side of two underpass locations on the trail (four walls total). Preference will be given to mosaic artworks and artists living in Colorado though other art medias and artists outside of Colorado will be considered. The commission amount is approximately $45,000 USD per art location (two walls per location). The panel reserves the right to select two artists with a commission budget of $45,000 each, or one artist for both locations with a commission budget of $90,000 for both locations.

Bear Creek Greenway Trail

The Bear Creek Greenway Trail in Boulder, CO is a popular recreational trail that stretches along Bear Creek, offering a scenic route for walking, running, and biking. This well-maintained trail provides its users a chance to connect with nature, offering opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the surroundings of the creek. The trail is also used as a commuting path and is part of the B360 bike route, a 24-mile loop that circumnavigates the city of Boulder.

Materials & Media

The selection panel members have reviewed the two site locations (two walls for art at each location) and the parameters of the public art project and have set a goal that new artworks should be bright, whimsical, and uplifting. Artworks should connect with the daily flow of pedestrian and biker interaction in a way that activates and brings life to the underpass entrances. Additional interpretation of themes such as history and geography of the site locations and the Bear Creek is also encouraged. The panel is open to exploring a variety of media as proposed by applying artists but will give preference to two-dimensional, exterior mosaic artworks in glass and/or ceramic tile. Additional materials can be proposed in conjunction with mosaic tile as artists see fit to extend design further across underpass entrances. It is important that all proposed designs utilize materials that are easy to clean and maintain and are suitable for outdoor display.

Maintenance & Durability

All applicants are expected to consider the issues of long-term conservation and maintenance of public art, along with time and budget. These projects are located in the public realm and may therefore be exposed to physical stresses as well as subject to vandalism. Public art projects should be fabricated of highly durable, low-maintenance materials. Finalists are encouraged to consult with a professional conservator prior to the submission of a final proposal and should ensure conformity with city standards of maintenance and durability, as well as ADA standards. All finalists are expected to stay within budget and to complete work in an approved time frame.