Osage Casinos, Chamber seek artist for sprawling community mural
SAND SPRINGS — One of downtown Sand Springs’ largest blank walls may soon become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise and the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce are searching for an artist or artist team to transform the south-facing wall of the Chamber building into a colorful celebration of the city’s history, people and personality.
The proposed mural will stretch approximately 94 feet across the building at 109 N. Garfield Ave. and stand about 11 feet tall, giving the selected artist more than 1,400 square feet to tell the story of Sand Springs.
The project is designed to celebrate the Chamber’s 80 years of service to the community while adding a new visual attraction to downtown.
Organizers are looking for a vibrant, vintage postcardinspired design that prominently features the words “Sand Springs.” Beyond the city’s name, the mural is expected to capture the qualities that make the community distinctive.
ArtistsareencouragedtodrawfromSandSprings’industrial and business roots, its strong tradition of generosity and its emphasis on families and community support.
The city’s natural surroundings may also take center stage. The Arkansas River, cliffs, wildlife, parks, trails, biking, hiking and local sports are among the elements artists may incorporate into their designs.
The goal is not simply to decorate a wall, but to create a lasting community landmark that residents can feel proud of and visitors will want to stop and see.
The design must also include an interactive photo feature, giving people a place to step into the artwork, take pictures and share their visit online.
Artists interested in the project must submit concept sketches or digital renderings along with a description of the inspiration behind the design. Proposals must also include a resume or portfolio, examples of previous large-scale or public art projects and at least three professional references.
The selected artist or team will be responsible for carrying the project from concept to completion, including the design, materials, installation and final protective coating.
A graffiti-resistant sealant must be applied to help preserve the finished mural, and the artist must provide a final color palette so future touch-ups can closely match the original work.
The total project cost may not exceed $20,000. Proposals must include a detailed cost breakdown and a timeline showing each stage of the project, from final design approval through completion.
A review committee made up of representatives from the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce and Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise will review the submissions and select three finalists.
Those finalists will be invited to present their ideas in person, receive feedback and make their case for why their vision should become part of the Sand Springs landscape.
The final artist is expected to be selected within 15 to 30 days after the submission deadline, depending on finalist presentations and internal approvals.
Questions about the project must be submitted in writing to Osage Casinos Director of Operations Jeff Bailey at jeff. bailey@osagecasinos.com by June 23. Answers will be posted in a question-and-answer document at osagecasinos.com.
Completed proposals must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, June 26. Late and faxed submissions will not be accepted.
Additional submission information is available from Osage Casinos Procurement Officer Stephanie Parker at stephanie. parker@osagecasinos.com.