The Ely Senior Center and NLAA’s Ely Mural Project is seeking proposals from artists for a large outdoor mural to enhance the exterior of our building. The mural will be approximately 10 feet wide by 10 feet tall and should reflect themes of community or cultural identity relevant to our area. A bench will be placed in front of the mural, making it an inviting space for people to sit and enjoy the artwork. Artists should consider how their design interacts with this seating area.

1. Initial Submission – Artists are invited to submit:

   • A sketch of proposed mural concept

   • A short, written description of concept and how it aligns with the community

   • A portfolio of past work (3-5 relevant pieces)

   • (Optional) Consideration of how the mural will complement the seating area

2. Selection of Finalists – The top 3 proposals will be chosen.

3. Refined Sketch Round – The 3 selected artists will submit a more detailed version of their sketch for final consideration.

Submissions will be evaluated by a small panel based on:

• Creativity & Originality – Is the design unique and engaging?

• Relevance to Community – Does it reflect the culture or values of our community?

• Aesthetic Quality – Is the artwork visually appealing and well-composed?

• Feasibility & Execution – Can the artist realistically complete the mural?

• Integration with the Bench Area – Does the mural enhance the space for those who will sit and view it?

• Proposal Deadline: Sunday, March 30, 2025

• Finalist Announcement: Sunday, April 13, 2025 – 2 weeks to complete

• Final Sketch Submission: Sunday, April 27, 2025

• Artist Selection: Sunday, May 4, 2025 – 10 weeks to finish

• Mural Completion Deadline: Sunday, July 13, 2025

• Installation Deadline: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Proposals can be submitted by email, online form, or physical drop-off. 

Initial Submission - Artists are invited to submit:

1. A sketch of proposed mural concept

2. A short, written description of concept and how it aligns with the community

3. A portfolio of past work (3-5 relevant pieces)

4. (Optional) Consideration of how the mural will complement the seating area

Form: https://forms.gle/bCgv2CGPVW3go4Zk6 (opens in a new tab) 

Email: contact@northernlakesarts.org (opens in a new tab) or elyseniorcenter@gmail.com (opens in a new tab) 

Physical Drop Off:

Northern Lakes Arts Association

1900 East Camp Street
Ely, MN 55731