Request for Proposals – Ferndale Downtown Mural Project

Request for Proposals

Ferndale Downtown Mural Project

Submission Deadline: July 14, 2025, 5:00 PM PDT
Artist Selection: July 18, 2025
Project Completion: September 30, 2025

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Ferndale Arts Commission, in partnership with Scharbco Enterprises Corp., seeks qualified professional muralists to create an original large-scale mural on a prominent downtown Ferndale building. This project aims to enhance the visual landscape of our downtown corridor while celebrating community identity and artistic excellence.

Location: 5675 3rd Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248
Mural Dimensions: 44’3″ wide x 17’2″ tall (left side) tapering to 16’7″ (right side)
Approximate Square Footage: 750 square feet
Total Project Budget: $11,250 (all-inclusive)
Mural Theme & Content: This project seeks a vintage postcard-style mural featuring “Greetings from Ferndale” or similar welcoming messaging. The design should incorporate iconic Ferndale landmarks, local character, and elements that represent our community’s identity. Think classic American roadside postcard aesthetics that welcome visitors and celebrate what makes Ferndale unique.

The mural should include:

• “Greetings from Ferndale” or similar welcoming text treatment
• Recognizable local landmarks, businesses, or scenic elements
• Vintage postcard aesthetic and color palette
• Design elements that photograph well for social media/tourism promotion

The selected artist must be willing to enter into the City’s Agreement for Commissioned Artwork and prepare a scope of work that provides for the services outlined in this RFP. For the Agreement for Commissioned Artwork, see Attachment A.

SCOPE OF WORK

The selected artist will be responsible for:

• Design Development: Creating an original design concept that enhances the downtown streetscape
• Materials & Supplies: All paint, brushes, tools, primer, and sealers/protective coatings as needed
• Equipment: Scaffolding, lifts, ladders, and any specialized equipment needed
• Surface Preparation: Cleaning, priming, and preparing the wall surface as needed
• Installation: Complete execution of the approved mural design
• Documentation: Progress photos and final high-resolution images of completed work
• Travel & Logistics: All transportation costs to/from Ferndale, WA
• Licensing & Permits: Any required permits or licensing fees
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance during project execution
• Weather Protection: Tarps, temporary coverings, or other weather mitigation as needed

PROJECT TIMELINE

• June 16, 2025: RFP Release Date
• July 14, 2025: Proposal Submission Deadline (5:00 PM PDT)
• July 18, 2025: Artist Selection Meeting
• July 23, 2025: Selected Artist Notification
• August 7, 2025: Final Design Sketch Due
• September 30, 2025: Project Completion Deadline

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Portfolio Materials

Submit the following materials via email or digital portfolio link:

1. Artist Statement (1-2 pages maximum)

1. • Artistic philosophy and approach to public murals
   • Experience with large-scale outdoor projects
   • Connection to or understanding of small-town communities

1. Portfolio of Relevant Work (10-15 images maximum)

1. • High-quality images of completed murals, particularly outdoor/building walls
   • Include dimensions and materials used for each piece
   • Preference given to projects of similar scale (500+ square feet)

1. Project Approach (1 page maximum)

1. • Your vision for this specific location
   • Approach to community engagement (if applicable)
   • Timeline for completion within the given parameters

1. Professional References (3 references minimum)

1. • Previous clients, arts organizations, or municipalities
   • Include contact name, organization, phone, and email

1. Proof of Insurance

1. • Current general liability insurance certificate
   • Minimum $1M coverage required

1. Business Information

1. • Business license (if applicable)
   • Tax ID or Social Security Number for payment processing
   • Confirmation of legal ability to work in Washington State

Technical Requirements

• All work must be designed for long-term durability in Pacific Northwest weather conditions
• Use of high-quality, fade-resistant, exterior-grade materials required
• Design must be appropriate for all ages and community viewing
• No copyrighted imagery without proper licensing documentation

SELECTION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Artistic Quality & Experience (40%)

1. • Portfolio strength and relevance
   • Technical skill and execution quality
   • Experience with large-scale outdoor murals

1. Project Understanding (25%)

1. • Understanding of project scope and requirements
   • Realistic timeline and approach
   • Ability to work within budget constraints

1. Community Appropriateness (20%)

1. • Design vision that enhances downtown character
   • Understanding of small-town community values
   • Professional references and past client satisfaction

1. Technical Competency (15%)

1. • Proper insurance and business credentials
   • Understanding of weather-resistant materials and techniques
   • Ability to handle all aspects of project independently

PAYMENT TERMS

• Contract Amount: $11,250 (all-inclusive, no additional funds available)
• Payment Schedule:

• • 25% upon contract signing
  • 50% at project midpoint/design approval
  • 25% upon satisfactory project completion

• Payment Method: Check payable to artist/business name
• Processing Time: Net 30 days from invoice receipt

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit proposals to: Ferndale Arts Commission
Email: ferndaleartscommission@gmail.com
Subject Line: “Ferndale Mural RFP – [Artist Name]”

Questions: All questions must be submitted in writing by July 10, 2025 Responses will be provided to all applicants by July 12, 2025

PROJECT PARTNERS

Ferndale Arts Commission
Municipal arts advisory body

Scharbco Enterprises Corp.
Building Owner
Contact: Dale Schrader
Email: scharbco@gmail.com
Address: PO Box 3030, Blaine, WA 98231

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Weather Delays: Artist assumes responsibility for weather-related delays and must complete project by deadline regardless of weather conditions
2. Design Approval: Final design must be approved by both Ferndale Arts Commission and building owner before execution
3. Content Guidelines: Mural content must be family-friendly and appropriate for public viewing
4. Maintenance: Artist provides 1-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship
5. Rights: Building owner retains rights to mural in perpetuity; artist retains right to photograph and use for portfolio purposes
6. Modifications: No significant changes to approved design without written approval from both parties

The Ferndale Arts Commission reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to negotiate with the selected artist as necessary to meet project requirements.

For questions regarding this RFP, contact:
Ferndale Arts Commission
Email: ferndaleartscommission@gmail.com

Ferndale Arts Commission
City of Ferndale, Washington