Wheelway Art Walk

The City of Petoskey Public Art Commission is proud to introduce the “Wheelway Art Walk” a new community-based public art/mural initiative along the Little Traverse Wheelway near Bayfront Park. Designed to celebrate the creativity of local artists from Emmet and Charlevoix Counties, the project will transform a section of the U.S. Highway 31 retaining wall into a distinctive outdoor gallery, featuring twenty 4-by-4-foot paintings by area artists.

The City of Petoskey Public Art Commission is proud to introduce the “Wheelway Art Walk” a new community-based public art initiative that will be installed along the Little Traverse Wheelway near Bayfront Park. Designed to celebrate the creativity of local artists from Emmet and Charlevoix Counties, the project will transform a section of the U.S. Highway 31 retaining wall into a distinctive outdoor gallery featuring twenty 4-by-4-foot paintings by area artists.

The installation will enhance one of Petoskey’s most visible public corridors, creating an engaging visual environment for all who travel the Wheelway—whether on foot, by bike, or by car. Beyond improving the aesthetics of a key gateway to the community, the Wheelway Art Gallery aims to strengthen local identity, civic pride, and highlight Petoskey’s ongoing commitment to the arts and cultural investment.

Artists residing in, or affiliated with Emmet or Charlevoix Counties- (as part-time residents, through employment, schooling, or having grown up in Emmet or Charlevoix Counties) are invited to submit one proposal/design that they propose to paint for the outdoor "Wheelway Art Walk".  The proposed design may be represented by up to two photographs (for example- a sketch of the proposed composition along with a completed painting that illustrates the artist's painting style- that work in tandem). The photographs may be color drawings, painted sketches, or an existing work. The Petoskey Public Arts Commission will select 20 artists to realize their images on 4 x 4 foot paintings on primed plywood. Selections will be based on artistic quality, local relevance, fitness for outdoor, public display, and legibility from the Wheelway. Submissions should conform to the 1:1 aspect ratio (must be square).  We suggest that color sketches or conceptual drawings created for submission be at least 12 x 12 inches. Artists may also choose 1:1 excerpts from existing works. Submissions will be represented with photographs, submitted through the CaFE portal. 

Selected Artists will receive a $400 honorarium and primed 4 x 4 foot plywood panel, prepared for painting. Artists will supply their own acrylic or oil paints. We ask that you avoid light fugitive pigments- so that the Wheelway Art Walk will remain vibrant for years to come.

Proposals may be representational, abstract, non-objective, or decorative, painted in any style. However, the imagery and designs should be bright and clearly legible from the street, and family friendly, and non-partisan. 

The project was inspired by the Graceland Walls Gallery. For inspiration- take a look at the this UPTOWN Chicago webpage and this Chicago Sun Times article. 

Timeline:

March 27, 2026 - May 10, 2026:  Submission window

May 10, 2026 Midnight, EST:  Call closes

May 14, 2026: Jury

May 15, 2026: Notification

May 18, - May 22, 2026: Artists pick up primed panels (or delivery, by arrangement)

May 18, - August 13, 2026: Painting window

August 10, - August 14, 2026: Artists deliver completed panels (or delivery by arrangement)

August 28, 2026: Unveiling Ceremony/Ribbon Cutting

The opportunity is open to artists, 18 and older, who reside in Emmet or Charlevoix Counties, or who are affiliated to Emmet and Charlevoix Counties- as part-time residents, through employment, schooling, or having grown up in Emmet or Charlevoix Counties.  Artists are invited to submit one proposal/design represented by up to two photographs. 

Artists must submit a short narrative about the relevance of their submission, and a statement about their residency in / or affiliation with Emmet or Charlevoix County.

The photographs must meet CaFE image format requirements.

• File Type: JPEG or JPG only.
• File Dimensions: 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side.
• File Size: Under 5 MB.
• Color Profile: RGB

See this link for further guidance and information about video files: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/uploading-media/ 

The Call is open to artists, 18 and older, who reside in Emmet or Charlevoix Counties, or who are affiliated to Emmet and Charlevoix Counties- as part-time residents, through employment, schooling, or having grown up in Emmet or Charlevoix County.