Arts Brigade Proposal Creates Jobs While Reducing City Deficit

The Tucson Arts Brigade (TAB) and Tucson Mural Arts Program is delighted to announce that a seven year campaign to hire Artists to paint murals on Traffic Control Boxes was approved Tuesday night by Tucson City Council.

TAB designed this program so that anyone can now hire artists to paint these murals, creating more jobs and reducing our City deficit. We made the case over the past 7 years by showing that murals require less resources to maintain than blank surfaces.

You can learn more by following this link which outlines instructions for applying to this opportunity.

This is phase three of a five phase initiative designed to Hire Artists to Work in Schools, Neighborhoods and Community Centers using common sense economics.

Phase 1: City of Tucson Environmental Services Trash Container Murals
Phase 2: City Wide Mural Program
Phase 3: Traffic Control Box/Utility Box Demonstration Project
Phase 4-5: Establish a City Wide After School Arts Education Program

Thank you especially to the Ward 6 staff and Council Member Kozachik for making this dream a reality. Thank you also to Ward 1 and our dear friends at Tucson Pima Arts Council for their support on this proposal.

Let's get to work!

Artist Request for Proposals: Downtown Tucson Murals

Deadline: Midnight Sunday March 6, 2016

The City of Tucson is currently accepting proposals from artists interested in creating murals in downtown Tucson.  The Tucson Mural Program is providing funding for murals that reflect diversity in style and culture. The program will encourage artists from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply and offer their ideas and designs for these murals. This program is aimed at enriching the greater downtown Tucson experience for residents and visitors alike.

Program Goals
The goals of this program are to:

1. Beautify public areas in downtown which attract heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
2. Use art as a landmark to connect residents and visitors to public and private areas downtown;
3. Prevent tagging and vandalism;
4. Select dedicated and qualified artists that can demonstrate artistic excellence while completing this program on time and within budget.

About the Program

• Up to ten murals by ten individual artist or team of collaborative artists will be selected.
• Mural sizes are listed in Appendix A. Artists do not choose sites.
• The selection committee is open to all unifying themes. (political or religious themes are not allowed.)
• The artist is responsible for surface preparation which may include power washing the surface, removing chipping paint, priming the wall etc.
• The mural will serve as a visual landmark and should be distinctive through use of design, color, etc. Only original art will be considered.
• The design will be suitable and acceptable for public viewing of all ages.
• Design must be scalable.
• Only Arizona artists will be considered.
• The program budget includes the artist(s) fee, wall preparation, paints, sundries and top coat. Most projects will not exceed $8,000.
• The program budget does not cover travel, lodging or meal costs. Artists are encouraged to tap into existing professional and personal networks to keep costs reasonable.
• Artists may bring their own brushes, rollers and other special equipment required to produce the mural.
• Surface preparation may include power washing the surface, removing chipping paint, priming the wall, etc.
• The medium to be used must be durable and able to withstand minor wear and tear and harsh outdoor elements for at least five years.
• Program will procure Nova Color Artists’ Acrylic exterior thinners, paints and clear topcoats as manufactured by Nova Color or approved equivalent. All pigments shall have a lightfastness rating of I as per ASTM D5098. Application methods shall be as per manufacturer’s installation directions to ensure the maximum possible lifespan of the mural.
• Murals must be completed by June 3, 2016
• Artists can submit for more than one mural, but each mural must have its own proposal.

Proposals – Submit to COTMuralProgram@gmail.com
Artists interested in creating a work of art through this funding opportunity must submit the following by midnight March 6, 2016 to be considered.

1. A one-page narrative concept for the mural, including supplemental information such as medium and approximate dimensions of the proposed mural.  The narrative should convey the artistic content, colors, style of work, etc. Also include: (a) Wall preparation plan (b) Mural protection/ maintenance plan
2. Timetable (murals must be completed by June 3, 2016)
3. 11 X17 drawing illustration of the proposed mural. Please include mural concepts in PDF or JPEG formats
4. Itemized budget outlining all costs associated with mural production (artist(s) fee, wall preparation, paints, sundries and top coat)
5. 1-2 page Resume, contact information
6. Artist statement (no longer than one page)
7. Five – eight (5-8) examples of past murals Submit as PDF or JPEG
8. One page Image list including size, materials, costs and location of works.
9. All proposal components must be submitted in a digital format. Submit as PDF, JPEG or Word Docs.

Selection Criteria

• Ability to install mural in a timely manner
• Quality of previous work.
• Quality of Proposal
• Additional Selection Considerations

Public Safety

• Proposal does not present any public safety hazards.  

Artistic Merit

• Proposed artwork is aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for the public realm.
• Artist’s past work demonstrates proficiency in the proposed medium.
• Artist has exhibited in the public or private realm and participated in team and/or community-based art programs.

Site Suitability

• Artwork is suitable for the site based on size, scale, and form.
• Proposal considers the variety of audiences at the site.
• Proposal considers the social, historical, architectural, geographical and/or cultural context of the site.

Artwork Durability

• Artwork will be made of durable materials to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
• Artwork is carefully planned ensuring sound fabrication and installation.

Artists Informational Meeting

Tuesday Feb. 16,  6-7pm

Lower Level Meeting Room

Pima County Public Library

101 N Stone Ave.

Project Timeline

Feb 3, 2016              Artist Call Issued
Feb 16, 2016            Artist Informational Meeting         
MARCH 6, 2016    Applications Due for Artists Proposal and Concept Designs
March 7, 2016         Artists Pool Selected (Panel Meets Session 1)
March 21                 Artists Finalists: Site Specific Mural Design Due
March 28                 Artist Finalists Selected (Panel Meets Session 2)        
April 25                   Mural Painting Starts
June 3                      All Murals Complete           

Appendix A
Mural Sizes Approximate (in feet)
Sizes are Width x Length

1. 18 X 50
2. 36 X 29
3. 50 X 30
4. 47 X 12
5. 35 X 28
6. 70 X 28
7. 36 X 20
8. 4 parts: East 35 X 7, S/E 10 X 7, South 22 X 7, West 16 X 7
9. 24 X 15
10. 50 X 50

For more information:
Project Manager Michael Schwartz: 520-791-9359 or email COTMuralProgram@gmail.com

MURAL/TRASH CONTAINER ART TO BE UNVEILED

MURAL/TRASH CONTAINER ART TO BE UNVEILED

 On Friday, February 5, 2016, the City of Tucson Environmental Services Department will unveil and begin delivery of five metal trash containers that have been painted with murals as part of an effort to reduce graffiti.  Environmental Services contracted with the Tucson Arts Brigade to coordinate the project. Additional funding was provided by the Graffiti Resource Council in Washington, DC.


Five Tucson artists have designed and painted the trash containers which will be provided to businesses that have a high potential for graffiti and tagging. The City, working with the Tucson Arts Brigade hopes the program will also improve urban aesthetics and ultimately save taxpayers money on graffiti abatement.

Porter McDonald

Ruben Moreno

Johanna Hand

Niki Glen

Sasha Lewis

Five artists were selected from 44 applicants who ranged from established painters to first-time muralists. The artists are Johanna Hand, Sasha Lewis, Niki Glen, Porter McDonald and Ruben Moreno. The city provided $5,000 in funding for the pilot program, which was matched by the Graffiti Resource Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit vandalism prevention organization.
Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik said, “City leaders have been working on this program for quite some time. Even though such initiatives may not end the exorbitant cost of graffiti abatement, they can potentially help save money as well as beautify the city.”

The unveiling of the trash containers will be held in the parking lot, behind the Chicago Store in downtown Tucson on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. All five of the trash containers will be on display before being delivered to the business customers participating in the program.

January 18 MLK Day Story Circle

Jan 18 MLK Day: USDAC Story Circles
When: Monday January 18, 5 - 7pm
Who: All Ages, Free and Open to the Public
Where: Citizens Artist Collective, 44 W 6th St, Tucson, Arizona 85705
Studio #13 (enter from 9th Ave, near railroad tracks)

We are combining our annual MLK Day celebrations with the USDAC Peoples State of the Union. We the people, tell our stories of social justice, creativity and metamorphosis. Share a song, dance, poem, story or work of art, or just listen.

Artists Call: Trash Container Mural Art Demonstration Project

Call to Mural Artists Living in Pima County:
Trash Container Mural Art Demonstration Project

Deadline to Apply: Midnight Friday Oct. 23, 2015

Description:

The Trash Container Mural Art Demonstration Project seeks to reduce tagging on City of Tucson Trash Containers. Artists are invited to submit design applications for murals on City of Tucson Large Metal Trash Containers. We seek to demonstrate that murals are an effective way to reduce maintenance costs.

Tucson Mural Arts Program’s goal is to create a city wide outdoor mural program highlighting the cultural and artistic diversity of our amazing city. Our goal is expand mural opportunities for artists living in Tucson and Pima County.

This project is made possible by the City of Tucson Environmental Services and Graffiti Resource Council with logistical and administrative support provided by GARDEN Inc. and the Tucson Arts Brigade.

Sites:

City of Tucson Environmental Services has identified 5 sites. The murals cannot include the name of the business within the design. Final design approval will be made by COT Environmental Services and the business owners.

Sizes:

Front 6’ x 4’
Back 6’ x 5’
Sides (2) 6’-3” x 6’ x 5”

Qualifications:

Visual artists living in Pima County
Open to artists of all ages and abilities.
Demonstrated Artistic Merit
Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time
All styles accepted
Artists Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian

Artists Stipend:  $ 850.00

Materials: City approved paint supplies will be provided for this round.

To being considered as a lead artist for the Trash Container Mural Art Demonstration Project, round one:

1) Please Submit Your Contact information: (Name, address, phone, email, website)

2) Draft Design of your mural proposal ideas with proposed color scheme.

3) Five jpeg (5) examples of your past work. Please send these images as jpegs.

4) (Optional) a cover letter describing your experience, you may also include a resume.


Send all information by Midnight Friday Oct. 23, 2015: ArtsBrigadeMAP@gmail.com

Timeline:

• September 30          Artists Call Issued
• Friday Oct 23          Round 1 Preliminary Design Applications Due
• Friday Oct 30         1st Round of Artists Selected
• Nov. 6                     Selected artist: Final Designs Due
• Nov.13 - Dec. 18    Artists complete works
• Dec. - Jan                Project Unveiling

Build It!
Would you like to help build a permanent city wide Mural Arts Program? We are seeking volunteers who are willing to make a one year commitment of 5 hours a month. Please include your name, contact information.

Questions? ArtsBrigadeMAP@gmail.com

BBVN Tile Mosaic Mural Workshops Dates Set

 By R. Roati

As most of you know, BBVN is working with a Tucson artist to construct tile mosaic murals on the two low walls at the intersection of the Treat Walkway and Arroyo Chico. 

Due to the fabulous efforts of neighbors John, Linda, Matt, Emma Stapleton, Barbara O'Brien, Barbara Kuelbs, Justine Hernandez, Judd Ruggill, Susan Silverman, Mike Weingarten & Joan Thomas, all under the direction and expert assistance of Tucson artist Michael B. Schwartz, we built tiles, painted them, fired them, prepared the walls, applied thinset, and installed tiles, so that two of the wall sides are now largely complete.

We're going to turn now to the remaining sides to complete the tile mosaic mural installation! Thanks to Mary Wolfe for the donation of some beautiful tiles for this next phase! Please join us for two tile installation parties:

What: Tile installation party (north mural)
Date: Sunday October 18
Time: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

What: Tile installation party (south mural)
Date: Sunday October 25
Time: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

For both parties, please bring:
Old clothes
Rubber gloves
Hats, water, sunscreen
Any thinset tools you might have such as trowels and pans (we have some, but more is better)
A digital camera
Food and drinks
We'll supply the rest

You can just show up, or register by clicking here.

New Art School Opens this Fall

The Michael B Schwartz School of Art opens this fall with a new Visual Arts program for gifted and talented young artists Ages 11-18, on Saturdays from 1-6pm at the Citizens Artist Collective, Studio #13, 44 W 6th St. in downtown Tucson.

There are two semesters this fall, Semester 1: Saturdays, September 12 - October 24, Semester 2: Saturdays October 31 - December 12. The cost is $300. per semester or $50. per session. Scholarships are available based on economic need. All materials, field trip and snacks are included.


This program provides an in depth study of the tools, techniques and concepts in the media of painting, drawing and mixed visual arts media. Young artist are taught to harness their super powers and creative sensibilities. This practice fosters, guides and supports each students unique creative sensibilities in a professional working studio environment.

Students can register on line at www.MichaelBSchwartz.com.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and must include a letter describing the students artistic goals and why you are interested in this program,  three sample artworks (jpeg) and a short portfolio interview.

For more information contact 520-791-9359 or visit www.michaelbschwartz.com

About Michael B Schwartz MFA 1991 University of Arizona, BFA 1988 Tyler School of Art at Temple University, is a visual artist whose creative practice includes the production of public art, murals, paintings, drawings, writings and teaching. His work with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Fleisher Art Memorial, International Council of Adult Education, National Audubon Society, Tucson Museum of Art, Teaching Artist Journal and Prescott College has propelled him to the top of his field. His many awards include the Puffin Foundation and Art Matters Fellowships. Mr. Schwartz is an internationally respected muralist and educator with a unique ability to assist students in clearing creative blockages so they can produce unique heart felt master works.