Call for Artists: Public Art Mural

The Arts and Culture Advisory Board of the Village of Saranac Lake in New York is seeking proposals for a small mural in Downtown Saranac Lake. Artwork may reflect the Village’s “Decidedly Different” brand, the culture and/or history of Saranac Lake or the Adirondacks, but it is not required.

About Saranac Lake

The Village of Saranac Lake is the largest community in the Adirondack Park, boasting a population of over 5,000 residents and hosting thousands of visitors every year. Known for its rich historical relevance, its majestic natural beauty and its lively artistic culture, Saranac Lake is often referred to as the “Capitol of the Adirondacks”. First settled by Europeans in 1819, logging and hunting were the primary industries until Dr. Edward Trudeau founded a tuberculosis sanitarium in 1884. The clean, dry mountain air that soothed the patients led to the “Cure” Cottage, still to be seen in the Village with their many porches. Today, Saranac Lake is known for the Winter Carnival and Ice Palace, its picturesque setting, and its vibrant “Decidedly Different” community.

About the Project

The Arts and Culture Advisory Board of the Village of Saranac Lake is seeking an artist or team of artists to create a mural or mosaic artwork to be installed on the outside of the public restrooms at Berkeley Square in the heart of downtown, Saranac Lake. The dimensions are 56” h x 57” w (4.6 ft x 4.75 ft). Artwork should be painted or mounted on MDX and be ready to be attached to the brick by the Village.

Budget

The budget for the artwork is $1,000 all-inclusive for artist’s fees, materials, fabrication, delivery, transportation, liability insurance and any other costs associated with producing and installation.

The Proposed Site

In the heart of downtown Saranac Lake, a thoughtfully designed brick structure has recently been completed. The single-story structure houses two bathrooms and has a brick wall that faces the street with an area specifically designed to feature public art that prominently faces vehicle and foot traffic.

The proposed site is used by the public, including children, and subject matter should be appropriate. All public artworks in Saranac Lake are exposed to extreme weather variables and physical stresses and could be subject to vandalism.

Application Requirements

Applicants will submit up to 10 digital images of at least 1200 pixels on the shortest side, with 2-5 similar completed artworks, a CV, and a statement of interest no longer than 2,000 characters. An image of a proposed work for this project is helpful but not required, as works in progress or concept images are acceptable. From these applications, the selection panel will choose up to 3 semifinalists for Village Board assessment. The selected artist or artist team for the project will confer with and get approval from the Art and Cultural Advisory Board and Saranac Village Board on final design issues.

Eligibility

This call is open to national and international artists and teams. Applicants should have a record of successfully completed projects; however, emerging public artists will be considered if their demonstrated work and proposal are strong. Applicants should be 18+.

Selection Criteria

A committee consisting of SLACAB members and local arts experts will review proposals and select a finalist to be approved by the village board. The selection panel may seek public input after narrowing down finalists. 

Timeline

Postmark Deadline for Proposals: April 15, 2025

Selection of Finalist: May 15, 2025

Installation Complete:  July 31, 2025

Email materials to [email protected] or mail to Arts & Culture Advisory Board, Village of Saranac Lake, 39 Main Street, Suite 9, Saranac Lake, NY 12983-1733