Glen Ellyn Mural Call for Artists

The Glen Ellyn Public Art Work Group is seeking qualified artists to create a compensated 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
Surface: Exterior brick wall, approximately 12 feet high by 125 feet long
Theme: A historical timeline illustrating Glen Ellyn’s evolution from 1776 to 2026

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

• Concept development and final design
• Project coordination and timeline management
• All materials, fabrication, and equipment
• Full installation and site cleanup

• Call for Artists Issued: February 2026
• Submission Deadline: March 16, 2026
• Proposal Review Period: March 17-27, 2026
• Artist Notification: April 13, 2026
• Winning Proposal Announcement: April 20, 2026
• Project Completion: June 19, 2026

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience with large-scale public art projects
• Previous outdoor mural or public installation work
• A portfolio reflecting technical proficiency and artistic excellence

Artists must submit the following materials:

Creative Materials

• Narrative statement describing the proposed project
• Dimensioned color rendering, elevation photo, sketch, or other visual depiction of the concept
• Proposed list of materials, paint samples/swatches, and application methods
• Current résumé or CV
• Portfolio examples of past work, especially projects relevant to this site or approach
• 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:

• 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. All applications will be reviewed by the Glen Ellyn Public Art Work Group Committee, members of the community, Historical Society board and must be approved by the Glen Ellyn Village board. The Village of Glen Ellyn has awarded this mural a grant for the project which will be applied toward the completion of all aspects of the project including materials.

The selected artist will receive a negotiated artist fee in recognition of the artist’s creative services, including concept development, design, and project coordination. This artist fee is inclusive of costs related to materials, fabrication, equipment, installation, insurance, and other project-related expenses. Payment of the artist fee will be made in accordance with the 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: March 16, 2026