Granby's Art in the Park

Destination Granby invites artists to apply for Art in the Park 2026, a two-day live mural painting event held outdoors at Polhamus Park. Selected artists will create large-scale, uniquely shaped murals in a public setting, culminating in a community voting event and awards for top works.

Art in the Park is a vibrant, community celebration of public art in Granby, Colorado. This juried event will select 12 artists to create original murals approximately 4 ft x 8 ft in custom pre cut-out and primed shapes.

Artists will paint live over two days:

• Saturday, September 5, 2026 – Day 1 of painting:
  • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Sunday, September 6, 2026 – Day 2 of painting + public viewing and voting
  • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm for painting + 12:00 pm - 5:00 for public viewing and voting
  • The public event will also include: live music, food & beverage vendors and interactive creative activities

The event takes place outdoors at Polhamus Park and will proceed rain or shine. Artists should be prepared for changing weather conditions and are encouraged to bring their own shelter (e.g., weighted pop-up tent).

On the second day, the public will engage directly with the artwork and vote for their favorite murals. Viewer’s Choice awards will be presented for:

• 1st Place: $1,500
• 2nd Place: $1,000
• 3rd Place: $750

Following the event, all murals will be weather sealed and installed along Highway 40 in Granby for public display. The artworks will later be auctioned at the following year’s event, with proceeds split 50/50 between the artist and event organizers.

Each selected artist will receive a $500 materials stipend. Please note that lodging and travel are not provided. Light snacks and beverages will be provided both mornings of painting. Lunch will be provided Saturday.

Mural Format & Design Parameters:

Due to installation constraints, murals must adhere to one of the following formats:

• 6 Horizontal Murals: Cowboy hat-shaped panels
• 6 Vertical Murals: Cowboy boot-shaped panels (toe may face either direction)
• Murals are displayed atop an existing mural on a 276 ft wall. Reference photo available within the attached Site Plan

Artists should consider visibility, creativity, and public engagement when designing their work, and align with the event’s 2026 theme of "western". Once accepted, all artists will be asked to submit their proposed work for approval.

Interested artists must submit:

• At least 4 images of relevant past work demonstrating ability to execute large-scale, public-facing art
• Which shape you plan to paint- 6 of each orientation will be selected
• Choice: Concept sketch or drawing for proposed mural in either or both cut-out options OR Artist statement of proposed mural. Once accepted, all 12 artists will be asked to submit their final proposed work for approval. This should align with what was submitted during the call for entry process. 
• $10 application fee to support artist prizes and event costs

• Artists must be able to complete the mural from edge to edge on-site within the two-day timeframe
• Experience with large-scale or outdoor work is strongly preferred
• Artists must be comfortable working in a public, interactive environment