2026 Town of Carbondale, CO Public Art Commission (Art Around Town)

The Town of Carbondale, CO Public Art Commission is seeking 15 outdoor street sculptures for the annual rotating "Art Around Town" show. Each artist is allowed the opportunity to display up to four original sculptures with a $1,000 honorarium per sculpture awarded by the Selection Committee.  An increased amount of $500 will also be awarded to all selected artists as a travel allowance.

This highly recognized and esteemed show is located in downtown Carbondale, CO, on Main St. and the Rio Grande Trail. The Town of Carbondale, CO is located 30 miles from Aspen and draws in a diverse local and international community for art appreciation, as well as being included in the Creative Arts District. The Public Art Commission assists in the marketing and sales of the sculptures to enhance the possibility of an artist commission. The "Artist Reception and Community Art Walk" takes place on June 4, 2026, and artist attendance is highly recommended.

The Town of Carbondale, CO Public Art Commission is seeking 15 outdoor street sculptures for the annual rotating "Art Around Town" show. Each artist is allowed the opportunity to display up to four original sculptures with a $1,000 honorarium per sculpture awarded by the Selection Committee. An increased amount of $500 will also be awarded to all selected artists as a travel allowance.

This highly recognized and esteemed show is located in downtown Carbondale, CO, on Main St. and the Rio Grande Trail. The Town of Carbondale, CO is located 30 miles from Aspen and draws in a diverse local and international community for art appreciation, as well as being included in a Creative Arts District. The Public Art Commission assists in the marketing and sales of the sculptures to enhance the possibility of an artist commission. An Artist Reception and Community Art Walk takes place on June 4, 2026, and artist attendance is highly recommended.

Marble bases and sculpture installation:  All sculptures will be placed on both large and small random sized blocks of Colorado Yule Marble from Marble, CO. Each piece of marble has a custom steel plate adhered to the top of the marble. Sculptures will be tack welded to the steel plate on top of the marble, so it is imperative that every sculpture arrive for installation with a steel plate attached to the bottom of the sculpture. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made for installation. 

A Public Works installation crew will assist the artist with welding, lifting, equipment (loader), labor and placement of the sculpture. Artist must be present for installation and deinstallation of the sculpture. The Town of Carbondale is not able to receive sculpture shipments on behalf of an artist, and each artist must attend the installation/deinstallation of the sculpture.

Applicants are expected to consider durability and weather-proofing of materials while on display in Carbondale. The weather fluctuates from intense cold and snow to drought heat. Materials of the sculpture should be fabricated of highly durable, low maintenance materials. The sculptures will be located in high pedestrian/biking areas so consideration must be made for height, shape, durability, with no sharp objects protruding from the sculpture. The Town of Carbondale has a strict outdoor lighting code so sculptures will not be allowed to be illuminated. The sculptures will be on display for one year. 

The Public Art Commission and invited jurists will be the selection committee for the show. Selected artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium per accepted sculpture (up to 4 sculptures per artist) at the installation of the sculpture in May 2026. An increased amount of $500 will also be awarded to all selected artists as a travel allowance.

Tentative Timeline: 
CAFÉ public release – November 18, 2025
CAFÉ deadline to submit entry February 10, 2026
Notification to selected artists March 6, 2026
Contract due March 27, 2026
Install dates May 18 – June 3, 2026
Artists Reception & Art Walk June 4, 2026
Removal dates May 1 – May 15, 2027

Materials to be Submitted:
All application materials must be submitted online, via the CAFÉ website (www.callforentry.org). There is no application fee to apply or to use the CAFÉ online application system. Artists are able to submit one artwork per application - multiple views of the piece, NOT multiple pieces in one application. Artists can be accepted up to four (4) sculptures at a $1,000 honorarium per sculpture. A $500 travel allowance will also be paid to all selected artists.

Installation Information/Requirements: (Detailed information Required)
• Height of sculpture
• Width at narrowest point of base
• Weight of sculpture
• Dimensions of the base of the sculpture from point to point (include photo of the base with steel plate for installation)
• Describe in detail the distance of each point of contact the sculpture will make with the base
• Provide a sketch of the base shape/dimension of the base of the sculpture.

Digital images: To be considered for the show, the applicant can electronically submit up to ten (10) high resolution/quality digital images of a completed work for consideration through the CAFÉ online system. The images will be used for sales marketing of the sculpture. 

The images must show all angles of the sculpture and the base of the sculpture, with the steel plate at the base of the sculpture. The photos should be of the submitted sculpture only, not a representation of the portfolio.  Do not submit photos of any body of work that is not being submitted for the show.  Submitted entries must be of completed work.

A brief artist statement of the sculpture will need to be submitted.

The Town of Carbondale, CO insures the sculpture up to the retail value. If the sculpture is damaged during the exhibition time period, a $5,000 deductible toward the retail price will be deducted from artist insurance proceeds.

Please direct all questions about this project to Laurie Lindberg, Town Liaison, Town of Carbondale Public Art Commission, llindberg@carbondaleco.net   phone: 970/510-1325   

Visit the  Town of Carbondale, CO website (tab to Government, Public Art Commission) 

 "Town of Carbondale, CO Public Art Commission" Facebook page for updates.
 

All sculpture artists may apply who have met the requirements of CAFE.