SUMMARY

JH Public Art seeks an artist to create one custom illustration that depicts the many native flora, fauna, land, and geothermal features found at Astoria Hot Springs. This primary image will welcome visitors into the main entrance and depict the variety of creatures, plants, and natural features found in this impressive landscape. The artist should be prepared to consult with The Trust for Public Land, Astoria Park Conservancy staff, and local scientists, and to conduct research to identify the different species found on site. The artist will also review the community engagement report and ecology studies. As part of the contract with the artist, Astoria Park Conservancy will have the right to reproduce any imagery created by the artist for large and small installations integrated into the built infrastructure, way-finding features, and other structures located throughout the park. The artwork should complement and be fabricated to match the TPL donor recognition wall.

ARTWORK LOCATION/CONTEXT

In Jackson, Wyoming, Astoria Hot Springs was once a popular recreation area before it was closed to the public in 1999. Though many unprotected natural wonders have become commercial geothermal spas, Trust for Public Land has worked with the community and its partner, Astoria Park Conservancy, to protect and reopen the hot springs as a part of a 100-acre public park.

The park will include trails, natural play spaces, and iconic hot spring pools. Over 2,000 residents participated in the community design process, which included multiple events coordinated by Jackson Hole Public Art. This process ensures the park will reflect local needs of diverse populations, providing a public recreational area that contributes to community identity and values. The park is located 15 minutes south of Jackson, in a rural area. Astoria Hot Springs Park will be open to the public and serve a wide range of Jackson Hole locals and visitors.

PROJECT GOALS

Overall, the objective of this project is to create an artwork that tells the story of Astoria Hot Springs Park, with its unique flora, fauna, and geothermal features. The artwork will depict a variety of creatures, plants, and natural features found in this impressive landscape, and invite visitors to explore the park beyond the hot spring pools.

Artwork goals include:

• Create a welcoming and educational point of interest
• Contribute to the identity of Astoria Park Conservancy
• Inspire a respect for and build knowledge of the park’s environment
• Spark exploration of the park
• Appeal to all ages and background as well as residents and visitors

MEDIA/STYLE/SIZE

The artwork will be printed on highly durable, diabond panel material in a horizontal, rectangular format. The artist will coordinate with the construction team on the design and dimensions of the final physical artwork. The material is selected for its ability to withstand major fluctuations in temperature from 40 below zero to 100 degrees.

The wall where this artwork will be reproduced and displayed is approximately 33’ x 7’ and is clad with a natural stone finish. This wall hosts the welcoming artwork and the donor recognition wall. The design of the interpretive panel/artwork should complement the donor wall and the materials will match the donor wall signage. TPL will have the final approval of the interpretive artwork design and materials selection to ensure the artwork integrates into the donor wall.

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY

 Artists living in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana are invited to apply and should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Prior experience/success working on projects of similar budget, scale, timeline.
• Ability to meet outlined deadlines.
• Experience working with the proposed materials.
• Knowledge of local plants and animals.
• Artists living within the United States are invited to apply, however, local or regional artists may be given preference.

SELECTION PROCESS

The Trust for Public Land and Astoria Park Conservancy staff and construction team representatives will review submissions to identify one finalist based on the selection criteria listed below. Finalists will be paid to generate site-specific concepts. Once approved the finalist will develop final illustrations.

1.    Submit Qualifications: Applicants will submit qualifications including samples of past work.

2.    Identification of Finalist: One finalist will be identified to enter into a design contract with JH Public Art to develop a concept and final artwork.

The artist will enter into a contract with JH Public Art. JH Public Art reserves the right to re-issue this RFQ. JH Public Art reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to accept the proposal deemed to be in the project’s best interest and may recommend non-funding if they do not receive proposals that meet the goals of the project. JH Public Art is an equal opportunity employer.

PROJECT BUDGET

The total budget available for use is $3,500. The budget supports artwork design, including refinement of design based on stakeholder input.
 

SELECTION CRITERIA

One artist will be selected based on their qualifications. JH Public Art, Trust for Public Land and Astoria Park Conservancy team will refer to the criteria listed below while evaluating qualifications. 

• Artistic merit, originality, and creativity as evidenced by prior artwork.
• Excellence in technical execution of past work.
• Professional experience delivering projects of similar scale, scope, and budget.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake the design, fabrication, and delivery of the artwork within the timeline.
• Demonstrated responsiveness and understanding of the goals specified in the RFQ through their Letter of Interest.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the project stakeholders to evolve a design that reflects community values.
• Ability to appeal to a diverse audience.
• Past experience using proposed materials or experience using a variety of materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local plants, animals, hot springs, and the area in general.

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

JH Public Art may limit the number of applications accepted and reserve the right to review only artists who have the qualifications and experience level outlined in this Request for Qualifications. JH Public Art reserves the right to re-issue this call, alter the selection panel or recommend non-funding should we deem these actions necessary.

The selected artist or artist team will enter into a contract with JH Public Art. The contract will require that the selected artist name Trust for Public Land/Jackson Hole Public Art as an additional insured during the project. The artist should be prepared to consult with Trust for Public Land and Astoria Park Conservancy staff and local scientists to identify the different species found on site. JH Public Art is hiring the artist to create one image to meet the goals described herein. The contract will include Astoria Park Conservancy’s right to reproduce any imagery created by the artist for large and small installations and way-finding features throughout the park and to be included in marketing materials used by the park in perpetuity.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Please submit one attachment labeled your with your name, not the name of the project. For example: Smith.Tom.pdf

Letter of Interest: The letter should articulate the artist’s interest in this project in particular. The artist should describe how his/her work, process, and experience relates to this project. Please limit the letter to 500 words or less.

Resume: A two-page (maximum) current, professional resume. Artist teams should submit resumes for each team member compiled into one document. 

Images of Work: Please provide up to 6 images of previously created art that relates to this opportunity. Submit JPEG format, 1920 pixels maximum on the longest size, 72 dpi, and with compression settings resulting in the best image quality where the file size remains under 2MB.

References: Please submit up to 3 current references. Check with your contact to ensure their information is up to date. Please make sure you include the reference name, phone, alternate phone, email, title and one sentence describing your professional association.

TIMELINE (subject to change)

RFQ released March 1, 2020

Submissions due by April 3, 2020

Finalist announced in April 2020

Concepts Due: May 1, 2020

Final Artwork: June 30, 2020

Fabrication: July 2020

Installation: August 2020

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria