About Eaton and the Library:

Eaton is a thriving, agriculturally based community located on the Front Range of Colorado, 60 miles north of Denver.

Built in 1911, the Eaton Public Library building was donated to the town by Rebecca Eaton in memory of her husband former Colorado Governor Benjamin H. Eaton. The original structure has been expanded over time with additions in 1992 and 2015. Today, the 12,500 square foot brick building serves a growing population of approximately 6000 people. The library reflects the historical past of this small farming community merged with the forwardly focused, technology-oriented present.

Project Scope:

The Library and the Art Task Force would eagerly consider three-dimensional concepts that incorporate the attributes of a library – the magic of learning, the excitement of exploration, the adventure of reading.  The art should be suitable for a broad audience of all ages. All artwork and concepts must be site-appropriate for a residential neighborhood and should be a catalyst to welcome and inspire. The ideal artwork will create visual interest and sense of place. Designs may be representational or abstract but must respond appropriately to the location and setting.

The installation can be interactive or contain moving parts, but this is not required. The materials should be of high artistic quality and durable to withstand all types of weather conditions including extreme temperature swings in a short amount of time.

A minimum of two progress reports will be required showing the evolution of the artist’s design. Final design work must be original and must include all details necessary for the fabrication and installation of the actual artwork. All proposed artwork requires certification by a structural engineer to ensure safety and durability. Once the Eaton Library Art Task Force accepts the final design and payment is made for the design, Eaton Public Library will retain all rights of the final design.

Selection Process:

The selection committee may consist of Eaton Public Library Art Task Force members. Up to three (3) artists may be selected as finalists based on past work that exhibits style and materials appropriate to the site, artist bio with references, a strong written letter of intent, and from examples of experience working collaboratively. The finalists will receive a $300 design fee to develop a proposal and maquette for final consideration by the Art Task Force. Approval of the final design by the Library Board will be based on design aesthetic merit, originality, creativity, innovation, and appropriateness to the site as well as structural soundness and resistance to vandalism.

Application Requirements

Artist application packet must include the following information:

1)      Artist resume – Resume must show experience with the manufacture and installation of designs similar to the description in your letter of intent.

2)      At least three (3) professional references are required.

3)      Letter of Intent – will include a description of the expected design approach and type of materials that might be used in the artist’s anticipated work.

4)      Six (6) to eight (8) digital images of completed past work must be sent along with descriptions of past work images including title, medium, cost, dimensions, location, and date produced. (Conceptual drawings of proposed work will not be considered.)

*No project proposal is desired at this time.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to professional artists who are18 years of age or older and reside in the United States.