Johnson County Park and Recreation Department seeks an artist or artists’ teams who are proficient in the creation of a site-specific mural focused on the theme nature, highlighting the vital role the Mill Creek Streamway plays as a vital source of water and ecosystem in our area. This may include Kansas specific flora, fauna, trees, birds, animals and species that make up this ecosystem. Durability and low maintenance of all mural materials is required. The artist must ensure that the mural is protected against graffiti and ultraviolet rays. The artist may create the mural using acrylic paint. The size of the wall where the mural will be located is approximately 4500 square feet (25’ H x 180’ W). The wall is made of sheet metal.
Johnson County Park & Recreation District (JCPRD) launched its Public Art Program in 2020 to activate parks, trails, and facilities in a new way. The JCPRD Public Art Program commissions and cares for a collection of public artworks in JCPRD parks and facilities, and promotes the community’s access to and engagement with public art. The Public Art Program is guided by the JCPRD Public Art Committee (PAC), a nine-member advisory committee to the JCPRD Board.
JCPRD recently completed a Public Art Master Plan. As part of this planning process, the following vision has been developed as a guiding statement for the program:
Public art in JCPRD parks, trails and facilities will inspire a deeper connection to place through interactive, immersive, and inclusive experiences.
The Okun mural public art project will be the first commissioned mural of the new Public Art Program.
Project Description
The Public Art Program is interested in commissioning an artist or artist team to create a site-specific mural at Okun Fieldhouse. The mural will tell one of Johnson County’s “water stories,” as outlined in the JCPRD Public Art Master Plan, by highlighting and celebrating the natural setting of the nearby Mill Creek and the presence of the Streamway Trail. The mural will inspire a sense curiosity and interconnection with nature that is within steps of this site, featuring native flora, fauna, birds, animals, water ways, and native trees from the area to inspire visitors to appreciate, discover, and protect these vital natural resources.
Site
The Okun Fieldhouse, located within the Mid-America West Sports Complex, hosts a wide variety of adult and youth basketball and volleyball leagues, tournaments, camps, and special events. The south façade of the fieldhouse is also the backdrop for the adjacent baseball/softball fields and is highly visible from the Mill Creek Streamway Trail as well as from arriving vehicles. This site is located in the City of Shawnee and is commonly referred to as the Valley of Champions. This site draws local visitors and trail users as well as visitors across the country participating in national tournaments hosted at this site.
Artist Scope of Work
The selected artist will be responsible for designing, fabricating, and installing the artwork, including:
Based on the approved concept proposal, developing final design documents detailing every feature of the mural and its integration with the site.
Executing the final design on schedule and in a manner that conforms to the approved concept proposal.
Managing all aspects of the installation of the mural artwork including the UV and graffiti coating.
Providing maintenance and conservation instructions for the completed artwork.
Working cooperatively and maintain effective communication with all parties involved in the project.
Collaborating with JCPRD to develop and lead an educational program related to the artwork development process or the artwork itself.
Collaborating with JCPRD on marketing and promotion of artwork.
Participating, as requested, in community outreach and attending dedication event.
Public Art Goals
The goals for the Okun mural public art piece are to:
Bring visual interest and beauty to the blank façade.
Tell one of Johnson County’s “water stories," as outlined in the JCPRD Public Art Master Plan, by highlighting and celebrating the natural setting of the nearby Mill Creek and the presence of the Streamway Trail.
Inspire a sense of curiosity and interconnection with nature that is within steps of this site.
Feature visually the native flora, fauna, birds, animals, water ways, and native trees from the area to inspire visitors to appreciate, discover, and protect these vital natural resources.
Build capacity and invest in the local arts community of Kansas City by providing educational opportunities/shadowing (dates TBD) for local artists aspiring to this work.
Background/Historical Information: Okun Fieldhouse, Mid-America Softball Complex, and Mill Creek Streamway Trail system -- all which intersect at this site
Built in 1999, Okun Fieldhouse is owned by Johnson County Park and Recreation District and coined its name after 15-year-old former basketball player Bailey Ann Okun, who passed away due to a congenital heart defect in 1997. Also located at this site is Mid-America West Softball Complex, offering 12 fields, in addition to concessions, restrooms and other standard amenities. The Mill Creek Streamway Trail system is the third intersecting point at this site. This is a beautiful linear park with approximately 17 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails. The trail extends from Nelson Island on the Kansas River, south through the cities of Shawnee and Lenexa, and ends in Olathe.
Selection Process
The Okun Mural Art Selection Committee (ASC), comprised of arts professionals, community members, a representative from the Public Art Committee, and JCPRD staff, will serve as the recommending body for selecting an artist or artist team. The final artist selection and concept will be approved by the JCPRD Board.
Eligibility: The public art opportunity is open to professional artists residing within 500 miles of Kansas City with preference given to artists living in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
Entry Deadline: 1/25/22
