Willits Town Center Roundabout Sculpture

The Town of Basalt, Colorado, through the Basalt Public Arts Commission (BPAC), is pleased to announce this Call to Artists. The Town is accepting proposals through October 16, 2026, for an artist’s plan to create a unique sculpture for the Town of Basalt that will be located within the landscaped roundabout at Willits Town Center in West Basalt.  The budget of $100,000 is for all aspects of the sculpture including the design, delivery, fabrication and installation.  The town can assist with installation and will cover the cost of the concrete pad that holds the sculpture.  The town of Basalt also will cover the insurance for this project.  

Basalt is a small town within the Roaring Fork Valley with a population of just over 4,000 residents. Basalt is located along State Highway 82, approximately 20 miles northwest of Aspen and 21 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs.   The Town contains two distinct urban centers – historic downtown Basalt (east Basalt) and Willits Town Center (west Basalt).  This Call to Artists is focused on Willits Town Center.

Willits Town Center is a modern, walkable, mixed-use urban center and is home to several unique boutiques and local retailers as well as a Whole Foods Market.  The neighborhood is defined by large, block length buildings containing a mix of commercial and residential uses.  Willits Town Center contains two green space parks, two paved parklets, a variety of restaurants, and a performing arts and culture center.   

The sculpture that is the subject of this Call to Artists will be located within the landscaped roundabout at the entry to west Basalt.  The roundabout provides entry points to East Valley Road (which runs through the Willits Town Center development) and Willits Lane.  The sculpture is intended to be a permanent fixture of Basalt’s public arts inventory and will be placed in the center of the landscaped roundabout.

A budgeted range for the project has been determined up to $100,000. The budget includes the cost of the selected sculpture, transportation to the site, installation, and any accessory uses (e.g. lighting).

Interested artists shall submit a detailed representation of the proposed sculpture from multiple angles that includes dimensions, materials, maintenance, and any additional related items such as proposed lighting, landscaping, etc.  The artist shall address the following items in any submittal:

• Theme. The roundabout is the gateway to west Basalt and Willits Town Center from Highway 82.  Willits Town Center has a more urban and modern feel than the old town east Basalt area.  Artists are encouraged to visit the area to get a feel for the neighborhood atmosphere, energy, and architectural character.
• Size. The size and scale of the proposed sculpture shall be appropriate in relation to the site. Ideally the artist will create a dimensioned rendering or other visual depiction of the proposed sculpture in relation to the designated location and surrounding area.  The artist should keep in mind the proposed sculpture’s mass and placement within the roundabout, being conscious of the sculpture not blocking a driver’s ability to see through to the other side of the roundabout.   The maximum diameter of the sculpture pad will be no more than 30’.
• Base. The sculpture will be affixed to a level concrete pad that will be created by Town Staff.  The artist is responsible for determining the appropriate method for safely securing the sculpture to the pad.  This information shall be included within the application submission.
• Materials. The sculpture shall be crafted of materials that are appropriate to withstand Basalt’s weather and mountain climate and shall minimize reflectivity.
• Maintenance. The sculpture shall require minimal maintenance. Any maintenance needs shall be detailed in the submission, and shall include information regarding the frequency, products, and other information related to the regular long-term maintenance of the sculpture.
• Transportation & Installation.  The artist will provide details on how the piece will be transported to Basalt and the type of equipment that will be needed to install the sculpture.

Artists must be at least 18 years of age to enter a submission. Ideally the artist will be experienced working with the materials proposed for the sculpture and can provide examples of previous work.

Local, regional, or artists located within the state of Colorado will be given priority.