The City of Hopkins is seeking proposals for murals to be completed at two key locations in the city.  This select public art opportunity will support the community of Hopkins through creative placemaking.  Hopkins, Minnesota, 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, is a dynamic confluence of historic and modern sensibilities.  Our city's mission is to Inspire, Educate, Involve, and Communicate.         

The Hopkins Mural Project is intended to support the community of Hopkins through creative placemaking at key sites where public art can meet a variety of specific goals including:

• Create a sense of arrival
• Bring visitors to Hopkins
• Highlight or support a cultural asset
• Add to the already robust art scene
• Emphasize the importance of inclusivity

SITE INFORMATION, SUGGESTED THEMES:

SITE 1: The Twin Cities & Western Railroad bridge at 11th Avenue 

The Twin Cities & Western Railroad bridge at 11th Avenue South provides a unique opportunity to celebrate an area of the city of Hopkins that deserves more attention.  Many great businesses are located in the area including Casa Deli, Bella’s Ice Cream and SS Billiards – just to name a few.  It also features the natural amenities of Nine Mile Creek and the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. 

South Hopkins is home to many people living in single family homes in the Valley neighborhoods and multi-family homes in Westbrooke condominiums/townhomes and Greenfield Apartments.  Overall, 20% of the city’s population live in neighborhoods that use 11th Avenue South as their main connection to downtown Hopkins and the future light rail stations.  This mural site is an opportunity to celebrate the people who walk, bike, or drive under the railroad bridge.  The neighborhood is culturally-diverse: 63% of the population is white, 16% is black and 10% is Hispanic. 

Ideally, the mural would cover the entire East side of the underpass and the northern face of the West side (see Site Plan document under 'View Site Details' above). The approximate size of the east side is 1,100 sq. ft. and the approximate size of the west side is 200 sq. ft.

Site 1 Concept

For this location, we are interested in seeing what the artist envisions without a lot of constraints.  A successful mural will create excitement about entering the neighborhood.  It will also reward the pedestrian or bicyclist as they pass through the area. 

Raspberries were once grown in South Hopkins and during the depression inspired the community to put on the Raspberry Festival.  This year, the community will host the 90th annual Raspberry Festival.  Raspberry images can be found throughout the City, including the World’s Largest Raspberry sculpture and the City of Hopkins logo,  and were included in the first two murals commissioned under this program.  It is not a requirement to include raspberries, nor will it be weighted in the selection process – but feel free to explore the beauty of the raspberry in the concept. 

Site 1Target Audience

Residents of and visitors to South Hopkins. 

Site 1 Ambience

Celebratory.  Welcoming. 

Site 1 Practical Considerations

The work area is fairly tight, and many people use the sidewalk/trail.  If lane closure is needed, the City of Hopkins and Metropolitan Council will coordinate and provide the controls/signage. 

SITE 2: Vail Place - 23 9th Ave S. Hopkins, MN 55343

Approximate Dimensions: 30'x10', 300 square feet

The mural will be on the wall of a local nonprofit, Vail Communities. Vail provides community-based recovery services for adults with serious mental illnesses by creating pathways of recovery through relationships, purpose, and opportunity. The Clubhouse is a “one-stop shop” serving as a community hub for people to access, integrate, and coordinate a range of services to work toward mental health recovery. The Hopkins clubhouse follows the values of Clubhouse International – purpose, connection, opportunity, inclusion, and choice.

The building is adjacent to the Artery, 8th Ave. Within the two-block space, the Artery has several commissioned artworks including Night and Day by Jason Klimoski and The Moline, by James Brenner. There is a separated bikeway and wide sidewalks with opportunities for temporary installations of art. Learn more about the Artery online.

The approximate size of the wall is 30’ x 10’, 300 sq. ft. Ideally, the mural would wrap slightly around the building.

Site 2 Limitations in Relation to the Site

The wall is currently in need of prep before the mural could be constructed (see close up images in site plan under 'View Site Details' above).

Site 2 Concept

For this location, we are interested in seeing what the artist can propose that enhances or upholds the Vail Place values. The mural should also be visible from the adjacent Artery.

Raspberries were once grown in Hopkins and during the depression inspired the community to put on the Raspberry Festival.  This year, the community will host the 90th annual Raspberry Festival.  Raspberry images can be found throughout the City, including the World’s Largest Raspberry sculpture and the City of Hopkins logo,  and were included in the first two murals commissioned under this program.  It is not a requirement to include raspberries, nor will it be weighted in the selection process – but feel free to explore the beauty of the raspberry in the concept. 

Site 2 Target Audience

Residents of and visitors to Hopkins. 

Site 2 Ambience

Inclusive. Celebratory. Welcoming. 

In-kind Assistance

The City of Hopkins will work with the artist(s) to help make the project a success. The City of Hopkins will work with the artist(s) on logistics including access to water and a place to store materials.  Hopkins Public Works staff will be able to work with the artist(s) to make the space safe, including setting up traffic cones or barricades as needed. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

From the submitted applications, up to three Artists/Artist Teams will be selected as finalists for each location and receive $1000 honorarium to develop their concept and designs.  Finalists will present these refined proposals to the Hopkins Public Art Committee and other stakeholders including the building owner, tenants, and the general public.

Application Requirements

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Artists / Artist Teams will submit:

1. A minimum of 5 images of at least three previously completed murals representative of style(s) and approach.
2. Resume or C.V.
3. A written description of the intended concept for the mural or murals they are proposing.
4. A proposed budget for the project

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to all U.S. artists with at least three examples of previously completed murals that demonstrate the ability to create large scale, durable public art.