Call for Artists

 The Glen Ellyn Public Art Work Group is seeking qualified artists to create a compensated digitally designed public mural that will enrich our community’s visual landscape and honor our shared heritage. This project commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrates Glen Ellyn’s unique character, history, and longstanding commitment to public art.

Location: Glen Ellyn Historical Center
Address: 800 Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL

Format: The mural will be created as seven (7) individual digital panels, each measuring 8 ft x 8 ft, with 8 feet of physical space between each installed panel. The final artwork will be printed and installed by Sign Identity, based on the artist’s digital files.

Theme: A historical timeline illustrating Glen Ellyn’s evolution, with cohesive visual flow across all seven panels. Each panel should connect stylistically and narratively to the next, creating a unified experience despite the physical spacing.

Required Design Elements:

• A continuous or thematically linked design that flows across all seven panels

• Visual references to the 4th of July and/or the Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary)

• Integration of Glen Ellyn’s historical milestones, cultural identity, and community spirit

Artist Responsibilities: 

The selected artist will be responsible for all aspects of the digital artwork, including:

• Concept development and final digital design

• Preparing print ready files to Sign Identity specifications

• Project coordination and timeline management

• Collaboration with the Public Art Work Group on revisions

• Delivering final artwork suitable for large scale printing

Installation will be handled by Sign Identity; no onsite painting is required

• REVISED: Call for Artists Issued: April 7, 2026

• Submission Deadline: April 28, 2026 (3 weeks, negotiable upon request)

• Proposal Review Period: April 29-May 1, 2026

• Artist Notification: May 1, 2026

• Winning Proposal Announcement: May 4, 2026

• Project Completion (final digital files due): June 1, 2026

• Project Printed and Installed: by June 19, 2026

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience with large scale public art or digital mural design

• A portfolio showing technical proficiency and artistic excellence

• Ability to create cohesive multi panel artwork

• Familiarity with preparing artwork for large format printing (preferred)

Artists must submit the following materials attached with application:

Creative Materials

• Narrative statement describing the proposed project

• Dimensioned color rendering, elevation photo, sketch, or other visual depiction of the concept

• Current résumé or CV

• Portfolio examples of past work, especially projects relevant to digital murals or multi panel installations

• Artistic approach and concept for the Glen Ellyn historical timeline theme

Administrative Materials 

The Village of Glen Ellyn is sponsoring the artwork, and the artist will ultimately enter into a contractual agreement. The selected artist will be required to comply with all applicable federal, State of Illinois, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. Compliance requirements may include, but are not limited to:

• W 9 tax form

• Proof of general liability insurance meeting Village requirements

All submissions that meet the requirements will be reviewed by the Glen Ellyn Public Art Work Group Committee, members of the community, and the Historical Society Board, and must be approved by the Glen Ellyn Village Board.

The Village of Glen Ellyn has awarded this mural a grant that will be applied toward the completion of all aspects of the project, including materials.

The selected artist will receive an artist fee of $10,000 in recognition of the artist’s creative services, including concept development, design, and project coordination. This fee is inclusive of all project related expenses. Payment will be made in accordance with Village contracting requirements.

For submission and further questions please contact:

Glen Ellyn Public Art Work Group

This is a paid opportunity to create a lasting public artwork that will serve as a cultural landmark for generations. We look forward to reviewing your creative proposals.

Application Deadline: April 28, 2026 (Date negotiable upon your request)