WICHITA FALLS – The City of Wichita Falls Public Works Department and the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture (The Alliance) are looking for artists to create an eye-popping piece of public art.

The Alliance is seeking the submission of qualifications from artists to be considered to create a permanent full-building mural on a lift station located on Midwestern Parkway within Weeks Park. A mural painted in the Trompe L’oeil style or realistic 3D Mural Art is desired for this project. Trompe L’oeil means “trick of the eye” and provides a 3D experience for the viewer.

“The growth and vibrancy of Wichita Falls rely on water, and now wastewater resources,” said Daniel Nix, Utilities Operations Manager for the City of Wichita Falls. “Historically, that water and wastewater infrastructure have been invisible to the public eye. This is the citizens’ infrastructure. Not only should it operate well, it should be pleasing to the eye, as well. This mural project will change that invisibility by utilizing the arts and culture sector to celebrate some of the infrastructures that keep Wichita Falls running.”

“We are proud to once again partner with the City of Wichita Falls to incorporate art into community development,” said Ann Arnold-Ogden, executive director of The Alliance. “Public projects can transform our parks, neighborhoods, and water treatment facilities into vibrant expressions of human imagination. We are proud to work with civic leaders who see the value of art in public places and look forward to more opportunities to install art across our city.”  

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is open to artists and artist teams, with preference given to Applicants must submit required qualifications and artwork samples by July 15th, 2022, to be considered for the opportunity. A panel will review qualified submissions, and the selected artist(s) will work with The Alliance to develop the final product.

The mural is slated to be unveiled in the Fall of 2022. For more information or to submit qualifications for the project, click here.