Community Giving Tree Mural
Proposal Deadline: September 11, 2026
Artist Selection: September 18, 2026
Mural Completion Deadline: October 30, 2026
1. Project Overview
Sky Lakes Rehab Services is seeking proposals from artists to design and create a Community Giving Tree mural that will serve as both a public art installation and an interactive fundraising opportunity.
The mural will feature a prominent tree with empty leaves or spaces intentionally incorporated into the design. During a fundraising campaign and open house events, community members will have the opportunity to donate and purchase a leaf on which they can place their name, family name, business name, or another approved inscription.
As donations are made, the artist will return to the mural to add the names to the designated leaves. The completed artwork will visually represent the collective generosity and community support behind the Sky Lakes Rehab Pediatric Treehouse.
We are looking for an artist who can create a visually compelling, welcoming, and meaningful piece of art that will engage the community and remain a lasting representation of community philanthropy.
2. Project Goals
The Community Giving Tree should:
Create an attractive and memorable piece of public/community art.
Provide an interactive way for donors to see their contribution become part of the artwork.
Celebrate the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations that support Sky Lakes Rehab.
Provide flexibility for additional donor names to be added over time.
Reflect the mission, values, and character of our organization and community.
Serve as a focal point for fundraising events and donor engagement
3. Artistic Scope
The selected artist will be responsible for developing the concept, design, and execution of the mural.
The final artwork should include:
A prominent tree as the central artistic element.
Clearly defined leaves or other designated spaces where donor names can be added.
Sufficient space for a substantial number of donor names.
A design that allows the artwork to remain visually cohesive as additional names are added.
A style that is appropriate for a broad community audience.
Durable materials and techniques appropriate for the location and expected lifespan of the mural.
Artists are encouraged to bring their own creative interpretation to the project. The tree may be realistic, stylized, abstract, whimsical, contemporary, or another artistic approach that effectively communicates the project's purpose.
4. Donor Name Integration
An important component of the project is the ability to add donor names to the mural after the initial painting is complete.
The selected artist will be expected to:
Design the mural with designated spaces for donor names.
Establish a consistent approach to lettering, sizing, and placement of names.
Return to the mural for scheduled fundraising events/open houses to add newly purchased donor names.
Work with Sky Lakes Foundation to ensure names are provided accurately and in an appropriate format.
The artist will be compensated $250 per return visit to add donor names at an open house fundraiser or other mutually agreed-upon event.
The number and timing of return visits will depend on fundraising activity and will be scheduled in coordination with the artist.
5. Compensation
The selected artist will receive:
Artist Stipend: $7,000
Materials Reimbursement: Up to $1,500 for approved project-related materials.
Donor Name Installation: $250 per return visit to add donor names at an open house fundraiser or other mutually agreed-upon event.
The $7,000 artist stipend is intended to compensate the artist for concept development, design, preparation, painting, installation/execution, and completion of the mural.
Materials reimbursement will be provided for reasonable, project-related materials with receipts or other documentation as requested by [Organization Name].
Any materials anticipated to exceed the $1,500 reimbursement allowance should be clearly identified in the proposal.
6. Project Timeline
Date Milestone: August 27, 2026: Request for Proposals released
September 11, 2026: Proposals due
September 12–17, 2026: Committee review
September 18, 2026: Artist selected and notified
September 18–October 30, 2026: Design development and mural creation
October 30, 2026: Mural completed
Following completion
Donor name additions at scheduled fundraising events
The selected artist must be available to complete the mural by October 30, 2026.
7. Proposal Requirements
Interested artists should submit a proposal that includes:
Artist Information:
Name and contact information.
Brief artist biography.
Location/community connection, if applicable.
Artistic Concept
Description of the proposed concept and artistic vision.
Explanation of how donor names will be incorporated into the tree.
Proposed approach to ensuring additional names can be added over time.
Any relevant considerations regarding color, style, scale, or materials.
Preliminary Design
Sketch, rendering, digital mockup, or other visual representation of the proposed mural.
32’ x 9 ’, but the artist is not required to fill all the space. We are looking for a tree that is on a wall this size.
Experience
Examples of previous murals, public art, community art, or similar projects.
Links to a portfolio or photographs of previous work.
Project Approach
Proposed timeline for design and completion.
Description of materials and painting techniques.
Estimated amount of materials anticipated for the project.
Availability for return visits to add donor names.
Budget
$7,000 stipend and up to $1,500 in reimbursable materials.
8. Selection Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee based on the following criteria:
Artistic quality and creativity
Strength and appropriateness of the proposed concept
Ability to effectively incorporate donor names
Suitability for a community and fundraising environment
Experience with murals, public art, or similar projects
Feasibility of completing the project by October 30, 2026
Understanding of the project's fundraising and community engagement purpose
Overall value and demonstrated ability to work within the project budge
The committee may request additional information, clarification, or a conversation with finalists before making a final selection.
9. Submission Instructions
Proposals should be submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. on September 11, 2026 to:
Kelsey Mueller Wendt
Email: Kelsey.wendt@skylakes.org
Phone (541) 274-4768
Please include “Community Giving Tree Mural Proposal” in the subject line.
Artists selected for the project will be notified by September 18, 2026.
10. Questions
Questions regarding the project, mural location, proposal process, or submission requirements may be directed to:
Kelsey Mueller Wendt
Foundation Manager
Sky Lakes Foundation
541-274-4768
11. Project Location
Mural Location: 710 Klamath Ave, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Approximate Mural Dimensions: 32’ x 9’ (the mural will not take the entire space, but we encourage you to make the image as large as possible.
Artists are encouraged to consider the surrounding environment, visibility, lighting, foot traffic, and intended audience when developing their proposal.
We Are Looking for an Artist Who Can Help Us Grow a Community Story
This mural is more than a painting. Each leaf will represent an individual, family, business, or community member who chose to invest in Sky Lakes Rehabilitation Services. As the tree grows, it will become a visual representation of the people who make our community stronger.
We invite artists to bring their creativity, perspective, and artistic voice to this project and help us create a Community Giving Tree that grows with the generosity of our community.