Art in Public Buildings: Sheridan College Science Center Addition

Sheridan College has started a renovation and addition of the Science Center on campus in Sheridan, WY. This project falls within the jurisdiction of the Art in Public Buildings Program, a percent-for-art initiative for qualifying projects in Wyoming. Artists are asked to submit examples of completed work and to demonstrate their interest and ability to complete a public art project. Submissions to the RFQ will be reviewed by committee and the selected finalists will be invited to submit a full proposal. This is a regional call for qualifications only open to artists in the following states: Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico. Wyoming artists will be given preference.

About the Facility

This facility is located on the Sheridan College campus located in Sheridan, Wyoming and will offer the following additions to the Science Center:

Upgraded spaces including analytical chemistry and microbiology labs 

Dedicated areas for student-faculty research projects and hands-on scientific exploration 

Spaces designed by end-users to support technical fields and improve communication and problem solving skills 

The Science Center at Sheridan College is designed to inspire curiosity and hands-on discovery. With modern labs, collaborative work areas, and spaces for research, the building provides students with the tools and environment they need to succeed in today’s scientific and technical fields. Whether you’re conducting experiments, working on group projects, or connecting with faculty mentors, the Science Center brings science to life in a supportive and engaging setting. 

State-of-the-art labs and research areas encourage students to move beyond textbooks and directly engage in scientific exploration. Here, students learn by doing—working with faculty, conducting experiments, and developing the problem-solving skills that define successful scientists.

For more information about the Sheridan College Science Center, visit their website.

For images of identified locations for artwork, visit the Padlet for this project here: https://bit.ly/46z3NMp

Artwork

The selection committee has identified the following locations for artwork. The first is an exterior alcove near the southwest corner of the building; this location is visible from a nearby road as well as the facility parking lot. In addition to the exterior space, the committee has also selected a portion of the interior entry space which will be located in a highly frequented area. 

Artists should consider the following themes when applying to this call: science, continuing education, community, and contributions to the greater good. Traditional murals, mosaics, projection/light works, sculptures, and shallow relief are all of interest to the committee, though they are open to all ideas for the spaces. 

Proposed artwork, design elements or finishes should not conflict with materials being used in the project. Finish boards will be provided to the selected finalists to inform their work. 

Project Budget

The total project budget for artwork, installation, and artist stipend is $90,000.00. 

Timeline

The selection committee will review the submissions to this RFQ in December 2026. Following review, select artists will be invited to submit a complete formal design proposal, including a budget, timeline, and renderings/drawings/maquettes of the proposed piece. Proposal packets and budgets for finalists must include additional lighting needs, signage, foundation or other structural support (if needed), design fees, material costs, labor for fabrication and installation, and all necessary costs involving planning, completion, delivery, and installation of the project. It is the responsibility of the artist to budget accordingly.

If decided by the committee, in-person or video presentations may take place. There will be modest financial compensation for final design proposals and in-person presentations. Any other travel is the responsibility of the individual artist. This meeting will take place in March 2027.

Construction has started with scheduled completion in August 2027. A specific timeline for fabrication and installation will be established upon selection of the finalist(s). This timeline is subject to adjustment. 

The Committee
Artists’ submissions will be reviewed and final selections will be made by a committee appointed by the Wyoming Arts Council and the State of Wyoming. The committee for this project includes administrators, staff, artists, community members, architecture and construction project managers, and a Wyoming Arts Council board member.

Submissions to the RFQ are due November 22, 2026 and must be submitted via CaFÉ. Artists are asked to submit the required documents and images to demonstrate their interest and expertise. 

In reviewing submitted RFQ materials, the committee will consider the following:

The quality of the artist’s portfolio or previous work samples submitted

The artist’s cover letter and how well it addresses this particular project

The artist’s experience working with the public art process and demonstrated ability to work with the project architect and facility managers

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and a minimum of 18 years of age and fulltime resident of any of the following states: Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico. Artists outside of the Mountain West region will not be considered for this call.
• Applicant must demonstrate previous experience and expertise through a supporting portfolio submission (resume and images of current or previous work).
• Applicant must be willing to meet project deadlines.
• Applicant must demonstrate an ability to work closely with and accept feedback from project managers, including architect and construction representatives.
• Applicant must be willing to travel for presentations if selected as a finalist.
• If selected for the project, applicant will sign a contract with the State of Wyoming.
• Final artwork becomes the property of the Wyoming State Museum. While artists retain copyright, the State of Wyoming will receive permission to use images of the artwork for state purposes such as publicity of Art in Public Buildings projects.