Oak Park Area Arts Council Community Mini Murals

The Mission: To create a living community mural that will promote the creative expression of local artists and provide an enriching visual experience to residents and visitors of Oak Park. Site: The murals will be placed on the inset portions of the southern and northern retaining walls of the Union Pacific Rail line, located throughout Oak Park along the CTA Green Line/Metra elevated train route. The mural areas vary at 6’ x 8’ and 6’ x 11’. Application: Please complete the application and return it by the deadlines listed below to the address indicated. A rendering of the proposed mural to be completed through this program must be submitted along with the completed application. Proposals for up to three (3) original designs may be submitted by each artist. Materials: Each applicant will be required to submit with the application the materials they intend to use to execute the mural. Paint is the only acceptable medium, and should be of a quality to withstand weather conditions for a reasonable amount of time. Murals will be applied directly to the train embankment, on a pre-primed surface provided for the artist. Obtaining all materials and supplies necessary for the design and execution of the mural is the responsibility of the selected artist. Artist will be required to apply a UV protective sealant to the art work when the piece is completed. Artistic Theme: The theme is deliberately open ended to encourage artistic interpretation, and produce the widest diversity of ideas and visual impact possible. All artwork should be designed to run vertically. Criteria for Artist Selection: All work must be original. Templates may be used only if they were created by the artist. Murals may not incorporate logos, advertisements or any kind of commercial signage. The selection panel will review all applications and renderings to determine finalists who will be awarded the opportunity to display their concepts. Artists applying for the project must be 18 years of age or older. Art will be reviewed for Artistic Merit, Appropriateness to Public Presentation and Originality. Stipend: Each selected artists will receive a stipend of $500 for materials after the contract has been signed and prior to the execution of the mural, as well as a final award of $500 upon the full completion of the project, totaling $1,000 award per artist. Program Schedule: Round 1: February 8– Call for artists begins; April 12 – Deadline for artists’ submittals; May 2 – Selection/notification. Round 2: June 14 – Deadline for artists’ submittals; July 11 – Selection/notification. All murals must be installed by Aug. 31, 2019. Val Camilleti mural: This year, one artist will be selected to paint a mini mural in honor of the legendary, Val Camilleti. Prior to her death in 2018, Val was the owner of Val’s Halla Records for 46 years. The Val mural will be painted on South Blvd., east of Oak Park Ave., across from the first location of her famous store. Artists should submit art that will salute this Oak Park legend. The artwork will be selected by a juried panel. This mural will be one of the 20 murals selected for 2019. For questions or more information call 708.358.5690 or e-mail info@oakparkareaartscouncil.com. Download an application here: http://oakparkareaartscouncil.org/causes/mini-murals/