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Writer's pictureLynne Kornecki

Request for Proposal: Outdoor Mural for St. Charles, IL Public Library's Terrace; 11/4/2024 Deadline

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ST. CHARLES PUBLIC LIBRARY Project: Memorial Mural in the outdoor terrace garden of St. Charles Public Library located at 1 South Sixth Ave. St. Charles, IL 60174 (Click here for information from library website: News - St. Charles Public Library


Summary: The Friends of the St. Charles Public Library, in conjunction with the St. Charles Public Library, are inviting artists to submit a proposal to design and install a mural on the exterior walls of the youth services department terrace garden on the library’s sole location at 1 South Sixth Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174. The location (pictured below) is a unique outdoor space where families gather to play, read, and enjoy nature. From above, the terrace garden is viewable from the Huntley Community Room and several other areas inside and outside of the library building.


Mural Description: The purpose of the mural is two-fold. First, it is intended to provide a space for the Friends of the Library to include names of donors who have requested designation on the memorial mural or who are being honored by another group or individual. Second, the mural should enhance the aesthetics of the space and provide enjoyment to those who view it. The library will be responsible for adding the names to the mural when a spot is purchased by a community member. The process for this, including the medium used and placement, will be discussed with the artist during the design phase of the project. The goal will be to integrate the names in a way that is visible to donors while not compromising the aesthetics of the artwork. The anticipated number of memorial names to be included in the mural is 100.


The theme of the mural should represent the value of nature in St. Charles and the greater Fox Valley Area. Of specific note are the importance of the Fox River, the abundance of native plants and flowers in our region, and the historical significance of agriculture. The mural shall be specifically designed for this location and measurements. The mural shall be permanently affixed to the concrete surface and use materials suitable to withstand the outdoor elements for years to come. The mural measurements must be 32 feet wide by 13 feet high (32’ x 13’).

Optional: A secondary mural panel measuring 12 feet, 4 inches wide by 13 feet high (12’4” x 13’) is included in the second photo. If budget allows, the library would like to include an area that would be considered a “photo opportunity.” Examples include images of butterfly wings, a flower “crown” that someone could stand under, an animal that could look like it is being held by someone, etc. that would Public Art RFP 2 encourage engagement with the artwork and present an opportunity for the public to create memories in our physical spaces. If the optional piece does not fit in the stated budget, please include estimated costs separately for the optional art panel.

Selection: The artist selection committee may be comprised of members of the Friends of the St. Charles Public Library, the Library’s Art Committee, Library staff, and/or representatives of the community. The selection process will include review of submitted design concepts, proposed materials, accompanying narrative and may include an interview with the shortlisted artists. Selection criteria includes originality, locality, artistic quality and the best representation of the mural description/theme stated above. The committee will also consider the artists suggested placement of memorial names and how well the memorial concept is integrated into the artwork. Once an artist and their design have been approved, no changes can be made to the design without approval from library.


The St. Charles Public Library reserves the right to refuse any or all submissions and to determine that submissions are not adequate for any reason until contractual arrangements are finalized. Budget: Up to $15,000.00 USD Timeline (subject to change): • RFP published: October 8, 2024 • Submission Deadline: November 4, 2024, by 2:00 p.m. • Interview Period: November 11 – 15, 2024 • Artist Selection: on or before December 9, 2024 • Installation Start: April 2025, weather pending •


Completion: by June 1, 2025 Proposal Specifications: Proposals should be submitted by the deadline to be eligible for consideration. Submissions will be accepted in digital or physical format. Digital submissions should be emailed to: kbuckson@scpld.org. Physical submissions can be brought to the Administration Office at 1 South Sixth Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174. Any proposal deemed incomplete by the selection committee will be disqualified. Proposals must include the following: • Examples of artist’s previous work or links to a website with examples • Three professional references (name, relationship, phone number, and e-mail address


Proposal Specifications: Proposals should be submitted by the deadline to be eligible for consideration. Submissions will be accepted in digital or physical format. Digital submissions should be emailed to: kbuckson@scpld.org.


Physical submissions can be brought to the Administration Office at 1 South Sixth Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174. Any proposal deemed incomplete by the selection committee will be disqualified. Proposals must include the following: • Examples of artist’s previous work or links to a website with examples

• Three professional references (name, relationship, phone number, and e-mail address) • A 500 word or less statement of interest in the project

• 3-5 color concept sketches or digital graphics that represent the concept and aesthetic of your proposed design; this should be detailed enough to illustrate key components of the mural and general colors to be used

• A 250 word or less description of the mural concept and the relevance to the library and community as a whole

• A list of any specialized equipment required for installation

• A brief statement of agreement with the given timeframe or a request for modifications to the timeframe •

A statement acknowledging the project’s total budget. Include a description of your anticipated expenses, including execution of mural, materials, rental equipment, general liability insurance coverage and contingency (if applicable) Public Art RFP 3 Images of mural location: 32’x13’ mural area is outlined in solid red Optional mural panel outlined in the yellow dashed box; 32’x13’ mural is outlined in solid red Public Art RFP 4 Eligibility: Open to all local professional artists capable of creating an original concept and following through on the physical installation of the mural. The chosen artist must be willing to participate in press and media coverage, including interviews, intended to promote and share the project. Submission


Deadline: November 4, 2024, by 2:00 p.m.All questions must be received in writing (via email) by October 25, 2024 to Kate Buckson, Library Director: kbuckson@scpld.org.



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