Arts Commission

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

The Ferndale Ferns

Photo credit: Don Anderson

The City of Ferndale (“City”) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit artist proposals for the design, fabrication, and installation of a sculpture to be placed in Ferndale’s Griffintown Park, located at 5786 Second Avenue.

Project Details

This project is made possible by a grant from the Berghoff Art Fund of Whatcom Community Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to manage a process for public art acquisition and installation that:

• Creates a sense of hope and optimism for the community; has some aspect of humor, wit or playfulness.
• Preference to local Whatcom County talent, as long as the piece(s) presented meet a quality standard comparable to pieces available outside the local area. If no local artists apply for awards the search will expand outward to regional, then national
• Could last for 5-10 years
• Is not a depiction of violence, religious imagery or political in nature
• Has an identified location for installation;
• Is appropriate in size, scale, material, form and style for the social and physical environment in which it is to be placed;
• Is durable and resistant to vandalism;
• Is maintainable at a reasonable cost;
• Is reasonably able to be installed;
• Is maintained by property owner

An all-inclusive award of up to $15,000 for the sculpture will include artist fees, design fees, fabrication cost, site preparation costs, engineering expenses, and installation costs.

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, click here.

Project Timeline

The City intends to complete the selection process using the following schedule. However, the City reserves the right to adjust the timeline as necessary. Any changes to the schedule will be posted on the City’s website.

Release Request for Proposals:                             May 31, 2024

Applications Due:                                                        July 8, 2024

Arts Commission Review of Applications:        July 10, 2024

Project Awarded:                                                        July 15, 2024

Installation Plan Finalized:                                     July 15 – 31

Site Prep and Installation:                                       August 1 – November 30, 2024

Selection Information

The selection panel is made up of members of the Ferndale Arts Commission members, with final approval granted by the Ferndale Mayor.

Application Requirements:

The following items should be submitted via email to: susanduncan@cityofferndale.org

Or by mail to:   City of Ferndale   Attention: Susan Duncan
PO Box 936
Ferndale, WA  98248

• Statement of Interest – Describe in a few paragraphs your interest in the project. The statement should demonstrate your understanding of the project objectives and include a preliminary proposal for how those objectives would be achieved.
• Concise representation/drawing(s) or photograph(s) of your proposed sculpture – Up to five images may be submitted.
• Concise representation/drawing(s) or photograph(s) of past projects of similar scope – Up to five images may be submitted.
• Resume highlighting past projects of similar scope – Resume should include information regarding experience designing, fabricating, and installing public art in outdoor public spaces.

The selection panel will individually rate each applicant on the following criteria:

• Quality of past work; technical and aesthetic
• Fit of artist’s portfolio with project vision
• The connection between the project and the artist’s creative practice.
• Relevant experience and demonstrated ability to successfully design, fabricate, and install public sculptures of similar scope

Additional Information

• Submitting an application to this RFP does not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
• All artists submitting an application will receive notification of the results of the selection process.
• Application materials will not be returned.

The Ferndale Arts Commission will be hosting an Artist Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, September 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Fringe Brewing, 5640 3rd Ave.

Meet local artists, learn about their creations, and purchase unique gifts for yourself or others.

Featured artists:

Jason LaClair – Indigenous Art   @jason.laclair.946
Káa Sháyee – Indigenous Art  @kaashayee
Colin Molaski – Abstract Modern Painting  @colinmolaski.art
Anna Waschke – Epitaph Assemblages  @ponderingstar
AeroScorpian – Minifigurine Keychains  @ThingsByAeroscorpian

New Orca Mural Completed in Downtown Ferndale

In early 2023, Kevin Lee commissioned artist Káa Sháyee to paint a mural on his Ferndale location car wash. Kevin has owned Kevin’s Car Wash for nine years which is located in Ferndale by the Nooksack river bridge on Main Street. The Ferndale Arts Commission administered the mural project as part of the Downtown Mural Project and both the Arts Commission and Lee contributed funds to the project.

The 43′ wide mural is titled “Ancestral Spirits” and depicts an orca whale and eagle in Tlingit formline style design. Both Káa Sháyee and Lee are enrolled Tlingit Alaska natives. Káa Sháyee originates from Ketchikan, Alaska, and Lee is from Sitka, Alaska. The mural was completed in early July. Káa Sháyee hopes to collaborate with other local Native artists to do additional mural work in the surrounding area.

Lee is currently doing a facelift on this location, including fresh paint, new signage, and additional lighting. Another mural will be added on the opposite end of the building later this summer.

Arts Commission and Downtown Association Partner to Install Youth Art Throughout Downtown

Earlier this month, volunteers with the Arts Commission installed thirty-eight pieces of art designed by Ferndale’s youth onto nineteen garbage bins throughout downtown Ferndale. After months of soliciting original art and hosting an in-person event, the final selections were printed and installed. Funding for the project was provided by the Ferndale Downtown Association.

“This project beautifies downtown, engages with local artists and saves taxpayer dollars by refreshing old garbage cans rather than replacing them,” said Art Commission chair Rebecca Xczar.

Artists were asked to consider “What Does Ferndale Mean to You?” or to utilize a Pacific Northwest Aesthetic. Over 100 designs were received as part of the project.

A complete map of art locations can be found by clicking here. Entrees that were submitted but not chosen are currently being displayed at downtown businesses including the former Lyndale Glass location, Subway, Barb’s Pie and Pastries, Sabor Latino and Uncle Jesse’s Pottery.