Colusa County Arts Council seeks artists for murals

The Colusa County Arts Council recently announced that it is seeking artists for a public art initiative that will commission small-scale murals throughout the county.

Dubbed “Small Spaces, Big Impact,” the council said the program is aiming to “install as many as five murals no larger than 10’ x 15’ in dimension on overlooked or underappreciated surfaces.” Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30.

The subject matter for any particular mural is considered the sole discretion of the artist, but the program is trying to identify mural designs that “celebrate the cultural history of the region, local flora and fauna, the local landscape, or rural ways of life,” the council said. Any artist with a connection to the county or is “inspired by rural locales” is encouraged to apply.

“We want people to have an ‘ah-ha’ moment when they see these small spaces,” Milly Lee, chair of the Arts Council’s Public Art Advisory Committee, said in a statement. “Even if it's the side of a utility box, a mailbox, or a storage building, it will serve as a reminder that we live in a vibrant community that celebrates thoughtful artists and their artwork.”

To find an application and the project overview, visit colusa-arts.org.

“The Public Art Advisory Committee will evaluate each application based upon published criteria and the availability of spaces,” the council said. “Notifications of funding will be made in December 2024, and installation will be completed by June 2025. Completed applications and general inquiries may be submitted to [email protected], dropped off in-person at 151 Fifth St, or mailed to P.O. Box 126, ATTN: PAAC, Colusa, CA 95932. Installation will be completed by June 2025.”

The Colusa County Arts Council said it has allocated $12,000 for the project.

“The Public Art Advisory Committee hopes these newly commissioned artworks, along with murals recently installed in Veterans Memorial Park and on the Sunrise Dryers facility facing Highway 20, will help create a shared sense of identity for Colusa County residents and form a memorable impression for visitors,” the council said.

For more information, contact Daniel LoPilato at [email protected] or 530-458-2222.