Grand Junction is inviting artists to submit proposals for public art at the new Community Recreation Center. The project includes murals on transformer boxes, with designs inspired by the local landscape. Submissions are due May 5, with installation planned for June.
The City of Grand Junction is once again inviting artists to help shape a highly visible public space, announcing a new call for proposals tied to the city’s upcoming Community Recreation Center. The opportunity focuses on transforming everyday infrastructure into creative expression, with selected artists commissioned to design murals on utility transformer boxes at the site.
The project is part of a broader effort to integrate public art into community spaces while celebrating the natural landscape and identity of the Grand Valley.
The call for artists is being led by the City of Grand Junction in partnership with the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture. Selected artists will create designs for transformer boxes located at the new Community Recreation Center at 2836 Recreation Way, which is currently under construction.
In total, the project includes four mural installations across eight transformer boxes, each varying in size and shape. Artists are asked to design pieces that cover all exposed sides and tops of the boxes.
Submissions are due by May 5, 2026, with installation expected in June.
More details and submission information: Call for Artists
The city is encouraging designs that reflect the surrounding environment and contribute to a cohesive visual identity for the recreation center.
Artists are asked to:
The goal is to turn functional infrastructure into visually engaging artwork that enhances the experience for visitors while reinforcing a sense of place.
Applicants will go through a two month proposal process and must provide a complete submission package that includes:
A selection panel made up of city representatives and members of the arts commission will review submissions and choose the final artists.
This project is supported through the City of Grand Junction’s 1 Percent for the Arts Program, which allocates a portion of funding from certain capital improvement projects toward public art.
The program is designed to expand access to high quality art across the community by embedding it directly into public spaces such as parks, buildings, and infrastructure.
The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture plays a key role in advancing these efforts, working to create conditions where arts and culture can thrive locally.
Beyond this project, residents interested in supporting arts initiatives can explore opportunities to serve on city boards and commissions. Those interested can reach out via email at cityclerk@gjcity.org or call 970-244-1509 for more information.
