Call for Artists and Artist Teams,
Westonka Library
Applications are closed
PROJECT
Westonka Public Artwork Commissions
ISSUE DATE
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
DEADLINE
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 11:59 pm CT
COMMISSIONS AVAILABLE
2 (Artist teams welcome; teams and individual artists may apply to one opportunity only)
ARTIST FEES
Opportunity 1: $60,000
Opportunity 2: $75,000
Please note that the Westonka Library is a live construction site. If you have site questions, please check the virtual tour and watch the recording of the virtual info session and site visit, held on June 4, 2026. Please see the recording below. You may also submit questions to taylan@forecastpublicart.org
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY
Hennepin County Library is a national leader of library service, innovation, and excellence. Our 41 libraries, website, and outreach services serve 1.2 million county residents over 611 square miles.
The library’s mission is to inspire, facilitate, and celebrate lifelong learning. Shaped by the information needs and aspirations of our residents, we envision the library as a shared space for enrichment and connection. Library services are an important part of thriving and interconnected communities. We believe that every Hennepin County resident should have a library card and use it regularly. In 2023, the library updated its 5-year strategic plan.
The library has a public art program and collection dating back many years. Find All public art projects in the library system.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Hennepin County Library is contracting with Forecast Public Art to facilitate the curation and commissioning process for three permanent artworks at the Westonka Library, located at 2079 Commerce Boulevard, Mound , MN 55364. The Westonka Library serves as a vital community hub in the city of Mound, located along a scenic setting on a wooded site near the western edge of Lake Minnetonka. Opened in 1972, the previous library met the needs of a growing suburban and lakeside population, providing access to resources, gathering space, and educational programming for residents of Mound and the surrounding Westonka communities, including Spring Park, Minnetrista, and Orono for many years. It came to reflect the character of its environment, rooted in a close-knit, nature-oriented community with strong ties to the lake and local schools.
Public library service in Mound and the surrounding communities began in 1915, when Minneapolis Public Library made a small book collection available to area residents. In 1922, Hennepin County Library assumed responsibility for the library in Mound, and it has since operated out of various community locations.
Community engagement has been facilitated through conversations with Hennepin County Library staff. The results and recommendations can be found at the end of this document in the community report.
REBUILD
A new Westonka Library is being built on the current site. The new library will better meet community needs for contemporary library service with an early learning area for families, meeting spaces for students and groups of all ages, and enhanced access to technology. The new facility is envisioned to be a net-zero energy building. A net-zero facility is designed to produce 100% (or more) of the energy it consumes through renewable energy sources generated on its site. The new Westonka Library is slated to open Spring 2027.
BUDGET
Opportunity 1: $60,000
Opportunity 2: $75,000 (two locations)
This not-to-exceed fee covers all expenses related to each individual project, including, but not limited to: artist time, equipment, materials, community engagement, fabrication, installation, and any other required costs associated with the project. Links and images to each site can be found at the end of this document labeled “Westonka Library Art Opportunities” (PDF download).
ARTWORK SITES AND VISION
Opportunity 1: Commerce Porch
The Commerce Porch is an outdoor room – a place for conversation, rest, and informal gathering. It is visible from Commerce Boulevard, sheltered and open, a threshold between inside and outside. This space invites art that supports human connection.
Dimensional Guidelines
The sculpture base should not exceed 3 feet by 6 feet, may extend outward no more than 3 feet, and should not exceed 10 feet in height.
Artists might consider:
- Pieces that honor Indigenous histories and relationships to land, stewardship, and seasonal knowledge
- Freestanding sculpture that uses the northeast wall as a backdrop
- A 3D relief or constructed wall piece on the northeast wall surface that creates a backdrop for gathering.
- Art that reveals invisible systems – pollination, water cycles, soil life, migration
- Works that catch light and shadows, changing how the space feels at different times of the day
Opportunity 2: Concrete Shear Wall and Trash Enclosure Mural
Concrete Shear Wall Art
Size: 5’6” Height and approximately 15’ Width
Just above the service desk and opposite the main entry stands a tall concrete wall — solid, quiet, and powerful. This is the first pause inside the building, where movement slows and orientation begins.
We imagine an anchored, applied artwork that creates a strong but welcoming presence — something that rewards both a quick glance and prolonged viewing.
Artists might consider:
- Relief, layered, or dimensional works that play with shadow and depth
- Pieces that introduce key themes of the library: knowledge, story, nature, memory, or community
- Materials that contrast with the raw concrete — warm, luminous, textured, or reflective
This work acts as a visual breath at the moment of arrival — a first story the building tells. Any paintings or mosaics will not be applied directly to the concrete wall, but will be done on substrate and affixed to the wall. Artwork should prioritize the wall above the service desk, with the option to extend onto the adjacent wall where appropriate.
Trash Enclosure Art
Size: 25’ width and approximately 8’ height
This curved concrete enclosure, typically a back-of-house utility space, offers an unexpected canvas for transformation.
Rather than hiding this infrastructure, we invite artists to reframe it as a place of story and renewal. The sweeping curve of the concrete wall can hold a narrative — about natural cycles, sustainability, consumption, regeneration, or the quiet labor that keeps a public place functioning.
- Opportunities include applied sculptural elements that animate the surface and cast changing shadows, or flat works, hung on substrate, which draw visitors into the space and fit the natural surroundings of the building.
ELIGIBILITY
These public art commissions are open to mid-career and established individual artists and teams who live within the geographical boundaries of Minnesota, including those from Native Nations whose homelands are located in what is now considered Minnesota. Artists may apply as individuals or in teams. Teams and Individual artists may apply to one opportunity only. This opportunity is open to 2D and 3D media (sculpture, mosaic, murals).
What is a Mid-Career Artist? Mid-career artists are recognized by their peers and arts professionals, have produced an independent body of work and have a record of commissions, projects, or exhibitions.
What is an Established Artist? Established artists are recognized by their peers and arts professionals nationally or internationally, have produced an independent body of work and have a record of commissions, projects, or exhibitions.
The Selection Committee is committed to an equitable process and will not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, use of a support animal, or educational background.
INFO SESSION + VIRTUAL SITE VISIT
An info-session and virtual site visit was held June 4, 2026 at 5:00pm – 6:30pm CST, Virtually. Artists are encouraged to watch the recording if they have questions about the RFQ application, commissioning process, artwork sites, or any other aspect of the project. The virtual site visit provides an understanding of the artwork sites, building’s scale, surface texture, surrounding environment, and sightlines, as this firsthand familiarity will help inform applicants’ design approach and ensure the artwork is contextually responsive and visually impactful.
This info session was recorded and shared with everyone who registered for the info session/virtual site visit. Watch the recording below.
FAQs
Could I use the commercial porch area ‘backdrop wall’ to mount a sculpture, too?
The interior of the wall assembly is structural, cold-form metal framing. The portion of the wall to which any art would attach, however, is nonstructural light-gauge metal framing with plywood backing and thermally modified wood siding. You may use the wall to mount a piece but will need to demonstrate that the piece does not exceed the load capacity of the overall wall assembly and that the means of attachment can support the weight of the piece. You will not be able to attach through to the interior structural wall.
Original question: “I’m curious about the commercial porch area ‘backdrop wall.’ I understand they mentioned in the details that it can be a freestanding sculpture. My question is, could I use that wall to mount a sculpture too? The sculpture will have some weight, but not extreme weight.”
What is the Arborwood Surface like? Smooth or rough? Is it colored, stained or painted?
ArborWood is a thermally modified wood product. This tongue-and-groove siding will be installed vertically, with a 5-inch on center face. When installed it will be a dark brown but over time it will age to gray. The surface of each plank is smooth. The assembled surface, however, will have recessed joints between planks.
Is mounting directly to the concrete slab acceptable?
The porch floor slab will be 5-inches thick, with rebar 18” on center. Attaching directly to the slab will be acceptable, however, the awarded artist may be required to engage a professional engineer to review and sign off on any shop drawings detailing connections, loads and the like to ensure the artwork is securely supported in a way that does not damage the slab or create a safety risk. The embedded rebar will impact where anchors can be placed.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Committee will review eligible applications as part of Phase 1 and select up to
three finalists or teams per opportunity to develop one design concept for the opportunity they are applying for.
During Phase 2, finalists will have approximately three weeks to prepare design concepts. Each artist/team will receive a stipend of $1,000 to cover costs associated with developing one design concept. Upon completion of virtual presentations, two artist/artist teams will be commissioned to design the artworks as part of Phase 3.
Further information will be provided to the finalists. Please see below for a more detailed timeline.
Phase 1: Selection of up to two finalists per site
Submitted qualifications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of Hennepin County Library staff, board members and Westonka community members. Applicants will be asked to submit:
- Letter of Interest describing:
- Your creative approach to developing a sculpture or murals. Describe your proposed themes, and connection to the surrounding area or project background.
- Include how you may engage stakeholders and community members to inform the final design.
- Your approach to managing and executing this project.
- Bio/Resume
- Work Samples
- Please share up to 5 work samples that showcase your ability to create visual designs at a similar scale. Your work samples should also give the Selection Committee an idea of your design aesthetic.
Finalists will be selected based on:
- Quality of Letter of Interest: Alignment with the project’s background and vision and clear approach to the design.
- Work Samples: Clear ability for the artist/team to carry out the project based on application materials provided. This includes: conceptualizing and developing a design concept, artist’s technical skill, innovation, and aesthetic appeal of their previous work.
Phase 2: Finalist presentations to the Selection Committee
The Selection Committee will review eligible applications and select up to three finalists or teams per opportunity to develop a design concept. Each artist/team will receive a stipend of $1,000 to cover fees associated with concept design and virtual interviews with the Selection Committee. Design concepts should thoughtfully demonstrate a clear connection between the themes and criteria outlined below and the findings of the community engagement report included at the end of this RFQ.
- Artwork should feel welcoming, engaging, and reflective of the project’s vision and public setting.
- Artwork should draw from local context, Minnesota identity, Indigenous histories, and culturally specific community narratives.
- Artwork should reflect stewardship, sustainability, environmental care, and connections to nature.
- Artwork should encourage curiosity, imagination, playfulness, and ongoing discovery for visitors of all ages, offering layered meaning that encourages reflection and deeper engagement over time.
- Visual style should be culturally vibrant, thoughtful, accessible while creating lasting impact within a public environment and community.
- Artwork should strengthen connections between the building, public space, and surrounding community, fostering belonging and shared ownership.
Phase 3: Selection of two individual artists/teams
Two selected artists/teams will directly contract with the Hennepin County Library to develop artworks and engagement for each opportunity. A sample contract is attached.
PROJECT TIMELINE
Disclaimer: The timeline provided is contingent upon the number of submissions received for the artist call. Any adjustments to the timeline may occur based on the volume of submissions and the subsequent review process.
HOW TO APPLY
Individuals or teams are asked to submit the following materials below in a combined PDF document via Submittable.
One page Letter of Interest describing
- Your creative approach to developing a sculpture for opportunity 1 or a mural for opportunity 2. Describe your proposed themes, visual style, and connection to the surrounding area or project background.
- Include how you may engage stakeholders and community members to inform the final design.
- Your approach to managing and executing this project.
Bio
- Includes your contact information and should not exceed 300 words.
Resume
- Should not exceed three pages.
Work Samples and Image lists
- Please share up to five Work Samples that showcase your ability to create a visual design. Work Sample images should be clearly labeled with your full name and work sample numerical order. For example: Amanda Applegate, Work sample 01.
- Image lists should not exceed one page and be clearly labeled in accordance with your work samples with your full name, work sample numerical order, project description and budget. For example: Amanda Applegate, work sample 1, project description, and budget.
Applications must be submitted online via Submittable:
https://forecastpublicart.submittable.com/submit
Deadline
Sunday, June 14, 2026, application will close at 11:59 pm CT and will not accept applications after that.
Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed.
For technical assistance with Submittable, applicants may visit:
https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
Ensure all materials are clearly labeled and submitted according to the specified guidelines. If you need clarification or further information, contact Taylan De Johnette at Forecast at: taylan@forecastpublicart.org
FORECAST PUBLIC ART
Forecast firmly believes that culture and creativity are important drivers of creating a more just society. As one of the country’s first nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing the field of public art, we are called to advocate for and advance public art practices that advance justice, health and human dignity. We are invested in public art that plays a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging, and supporting people to realize their potential and live healthy lives. We emphasize access for artists of color, indigenous artists, and groups that are traditionally excluded.
Learn more at forecastpublicart.org
(651) 641-1128
INFO@FORECAST