Arts Services Inc. of Western New York (ASI), on behalf of Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera’s Office, invites artists in all appropriate mediums (2-dimensional and 3-dimensional) from throughout Western New York to submit proposals for an outdoor public art project located at JFK Playground at 1 Grafton Avenue in Blasdell, NY.

Project Background and Goals

The Village of Blasdell is interested in hosting an artist to complete a mural at JFK Playground in Blasdell, NY. The mural will go on the south side of the building that houses the playground’s restrooms and playground equipment. The mural will face the amphitheater.

The chosen work should:

Proposed design should heavily represent Blasdell, NY and should include but is not limited to:

  • The name “Blasdell” painted out on 22 ft x 7’6″ ft front / 9ft×7’6″ side panel;
  • Football helmet with a letter “F” on it to represent Frontier school district;
  • Music images; notes, music scales and/or instruments;
  • Image of a young Ilio di Paolo in wrestling tights;
  • Image of molten steel ladles with molten steel coming from it to represent Bethlehem Steel and;
  • Have an expected lifespan of 3-5 years unprotected from the elements.

Budget

A commission of up to $10,000 is available for the chosen artist to create and install their work.

Artists are required to provide all supplies and materials to complete the work, including a scissor lift or bucket truck, if needed. Village of Blasdell may be able to arrange storage options on site at the building if needed. Please include any and all requests in artist proposal. Artist should detail what assistance or materials are provided by his/her/themself and what may be required by the Village in their proposal (if applicable).

Timeline

  • Deadline to Submit: No later than 5 pm on Friday, February 16
  • Early March 2024: Selection of Artist
  • March 2024: Public Announcement of Selection
  • Spring 2024: Mural implementation & Planning Meetings; completed and installed work (weather-dependent)

The timeline will adhere to building status and preparation (if needed) to execute a mural when appropriate; including factoring in proper weather conditions.

Proposals should include:

  • A description of the work including materials and dimensions;
  • Sketches of the work;
  • A budget including artist fees, supplies and materials, and any other costs associated to create the work;
  • Links to examples of past work; and
  • Contact information (including email, phone, and address).

Proposals should be sent electronically (in PDF form) to [email protected] with the subject line ‘JFK Playground Proposal’, as can questions. The mural will be located on the south side of the building that holds the restrooms and playground equipment facing the amphitheater. Since the site is open and available to the public, a site visit to see it can be done at any time necessary. Please contact Janet Plarr at 716-822-1921 x13 for additional information.

Proposals are due no later than 5 pm on Friday, February 16.

A panel of qualified, arts and business professionals (including community members of the Village of Blasdell) will review proposals for their eligibility and appropriateness for the project.