Call for Artists: Public Art Opportunity for Lion Sculpture

Published on July 10, 2025

The Los Alamos Art in Public Places Board (APPB) is seeking qualifications from artists for an exciting public art opportunity: a sculpture of an African male lion to be installed at the center of a newly designed area surrounded by the relocated Police Memorial Wall, just outside the main entrance of the Los Alamos Police Station. This sculpture will serve as a bold visual enhancement to the memorial site but is not a memorial itself.

The project aims to complement the setting with a symbolically strong and durable artwork that contributes to the visual identity of the space. The total budget for the commissioned project is $45,000 to $55,000, covering all aspects including artist fees, design, fabrication, transportation, and installation.

Project Details
Artists will be asked to create a sculpture that:

-       Represents a male African lion in near life-size proportions

-       Fits within a 9 ft x 9 ft footprint, and does not exceed 5 ft in height, 3 ft in width, or 8 ft in length

-       Is ideally made of bronze or stone, appropriate for long-term outdoor installation

Final installation is anticipated before May 2026, ahead of the annual Police Memorial Ceremony.

This is a Two-Phase Selection Process:

-       Phase 1: Artists submit qualifications for review. A limited number will be invited to move forward.

-       Phase 2: Selected artists will receive a stipend to develop a concept proposal and present it to the APPB. From these, one artist may be chosen to execute the final work.

Evaluation will be based on artistic excellence, relevant experience, demonstrated ability to work with durable materials, and an understanding of the site’s goals.

Eligibility
The opportunity is open to all artists, with strong encouragement for New Mexico-based artists to apply.

Timeline

• Qualification Submissions Due: Monday, August 18, 2025, by 8:00 a.m.
• Artists Invited to Compete will be Notified: Week of September 1, 2025
• Project Completion Deadline: Ideally before May 2026

How to Apply
Interested artists must submit a single PDF containing:

1. Cover letter (1 page)
2. Resume/CV (maximum 2 pages)
3. Up to 10 images of past work with brief descriptions
4. At least two professional references

All materials must be submitted via email to:
Chelsea Ashcraft
Art in Public Places Staff Liaison
chelsea.ashcraft@lacnm.us

The Los Alamos County Art in Public Places Board looks forward to receiving innovative designs from artists eager to enhance the community’s spaces through public art. For full information, visit the APPB project website at: https://tinyurl.com/LACAPPARTCALL

For additional questions, please contact Chelsea Ashcraft at (505) 662-8261 or chelsea.ashcraft@lacnm.us.

About Los Alamos County Art in Public Places Board
The Los Alamos County Art in Public Places Board advises the County Council on public art installations that enrich the community and promote cultural expression. The County Council holds final authority on APPB recommendations.