The Mesa Verde Association, in partnership with Mesa Verde National Park, invites artists to submit proposals for a mural at the Knife Edge Café in the Morefield Village/Campground area. The goal is to enhance the café’s interior with artwork celebrating Mesa Verde’s cultural and natural significance.
The mural will span a 576-square-foot interior wall and serve as a focal point for visitors from across the country and globe. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the 27 Pueblos and other tribes, land, plants, animals, and other natural elements.
Contest guidelines note that themes of gathering, sharing and community will be key aspects of the project.
The opportunity is open to individual artists and teams, with preference given to those with mural or large-scale public art experience.
Local and regional artists are especially encouraged to apply. Submissions must include an artist statement, résumé or CV, up to 10 portfolio images, a preliminary concept with optional sketches, a budget outline covering artist fees, materials, travel and installation costs, plus optional references.
The mural’s budget is flexible, and artists must provide a detailed cost estimate. The selected artist will retain copyright but grant Mesa Verde Association and the National Park permission to use the images for publicity, product development and documentation. Unselected artists may be invited for future opportunities.
Proposals are due Saturday, Nov. 15, and should be sent to admin@mesaverde.org. A review committee will assess submissions based on artistic merit, alignment with Mesa Verde’s themes, feasibility and experience.
The selected artist will be announced Monday, Dec. 15. Design phase: January to March 2026; installation: April to June; completion: Wednesday, July 1.
Questions? Contact Sarah Rank at admin@mesaverde.org or (970) 529-4647. Details and requirements: www.mesaverde.org/call-for-artists.
