Call for Artists: Public Art Installation

Overview:

The Town of Pagosa Springs, through its Public Arts Committee, invites professional artists and artist teams to submit proposals for a new public art installation at Centennial Park, a highly visible site adjacent to the San Juan Riverwalk and a main town thoroughfare.

The selected artwork will function as a sculptural screen or barrier to visually soften and integrate existing electrical charging stations, utility boxes, and parking areas. Artists are encouraged to create a site-responsive work that incorporates Town-provided geothermal heating panels and reflects Centennial Park’s identity as Pagosa Springs’ Geothermal Campus.

This project is part of the Town’s adopted Public Arts Plan. Up to $20,000 is available through the Town’s FY 2026 Public Arts Fund for design, fabrication, and installation. The artwork must be completed by December 31, 2026.

Site Context: Centennial Park — Pagosa Springs’ Geothermal Campus

Nestled along the scenic San Juan River Walk, Centennial Park highlights Pagosa Springs’ world-class geothermal resources through infrastructure, education, recreation, and innovation.

• The Geothermal Pumphouse at the north end of the park demonstrates how geothermal heat supports downtown heating and sustainability efforts.
• At the center of the park, the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership’s geodesic domes use geothermal and solar energy to grow food year-round while hosting workshops and community education.
• Across the river, Pagosa Springs’ renowned hot springs, fed by the same geothermal aquifer, connect wellness, geology, and place.

The public artwork should complement this setting and reinforce the story of geothermal energy as a defining element of community identity.

Round 1: Initial Proposal Submission

Submission Requirements

1. Letter of Interest and Artist Experience(maximum 1,000 words)
   • Introduce yourself or your team and express interest in the project.
   • Demonstrate understanding of the site and project goals.
   • Provide a brief narrative describing artistic intent, style, and general approach.
   • Describe how your work connects to themes of water, geothermal energy, sustainability, and community identity.
   • Summarize relevant public art or large-scale work.
   • Include a list of completed projects with title, location, year, and budget.
   • Provide links to online images or documentation where available.
2. Concept Sketches
   • Submit 2–3 concept sketches (JPG or PNG).
   • Include at least one labeled rendering.
   • Artists must own all rights to submitted materials.
3. Preliminary Budget and Timeline
   • Provide an estimated budget not to exceed $20,000. Lodging, travel and shipping expenses should be factored into budget.
   • If additional funding sources are proposed, list them separately.
   • Estimated schedule from contract execution through installation.
4. Design & Site Considerations
   • Town staff will partner with the selected artist throughout the process to help navigate land use codes, permitting, and other requirements.
   • Final designs will be refined as needed to align with regulatory approvals and ensure a successful installation.

Round 1 Selection Criteria

• Clear ability to integrate geothermal panels into the design and function as a screen from the charging stations.
• Connection to geothermal campus and Pagosa area.
• Artistic quality and originality.
• Responsiveness to site and setting.

Submissions may, but are not required to:

• Incorporate mixed or reused materials.
• Be whimsical, humorous, or serious in tone.
• Honor untold stories or represent historically underrepresented voices.

Round 1 Timeline

• Submission Deadline: April 2, 2026 – 5:00 PM (MT)
• Notification of Shortlisted Artists: April 13, 2026

Eligibility

• Open to professional visual artists and artist teams.
• No geographic restrictions.
• Artists are responsible for transportation and installation costs. Along with panel pick-up.
• Colorado, Southwest U.S., and artists from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Considerations

Durability & Safety
Artwork must be constructed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, snow, ice, and intense sun, with minimal ongoing maintenance. Designs should reasonably discourage vandalism, theft, and unauthorized climbing. Materials and finishes should minimize glare or reflective surfaces that could pose safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists.

Planning & Engineering
Artwork must meet all applicable building, floodplain, and safety codes. Structural integrity and liability considerations must be addressed prior to approval.

Installation
Artists are responsible for transportation and installation and must coordinate with Town staff.

Coordination
Town staff will assist with coordination but will not manage fabrication, engineering, or installation.

Ownership
Upon completion, artwork becomes the property of the Town of Pagosa Springs. A clear maintenance plan is required.

Project Timeline & Payments

• Shortlist Finalists Selected: April 13, 2026
• Final Proposal Period: April 13 – May 7, 2026
• Final Proposals Due: May 7, 2026
• Artist Selected: May 26, 2026
• Contract Execution:By June 30, 2026
  1. First payment: 50%
• Final Completion:No later than December 31, 2026
  1. Final payment: 50%

Submission Process

Email all required materials or questions to Amanda Gadomski at agadomski@pagosasprings.co.gov by the stated deadlines.