Call for Artists: Clark Fork Community Mural: A River Runs Through Us

The City of Missoula Stormwater Utility is seeking a paid artist for proof of concept and design of a community mural on the Clark Fork Floodwall at Bess Reed Park. The selected artwork should celebrate the connection between clean water, wildlife, recreation, and community stewardship along the Clark Fork River.

The concept will be developed by the selected artist in conjunction with the City of Missoula Stormwater Utility for the Missoula Downtown Association’s 2027 Arts & Culture Impact Grant. Funding for artist time will be provided through this grant.

Applicants are encouraged to submit concepts that:

Reflect themes of water, community, ecology, wildlife, recreation, and environmental stewardship
Incorporate imagery that is welcoming, positive, and accessible to a broad public audience
Can be translated into a simplified “paint by numbers” style suitable for community participation
Use bold shapes, strong contrast, and an art-deco inspired aesthetic that is readable and engaging from a distance
Consider the murals location along a highly visible public river corridor
Preference may be given to artists with previous experience in public art and murals, collaborative based art projects, and environmental or educational themed artwork.

Find more information and submit your application here!