Sanford Dam Mural - Call for Artists
Nationwide call for professional muralists to create an 80-foot mural honoring the Four Lakes recovery efforts following the 2020 dam failures.
The Sanford Dam Mural and Walkway project team has issued a nationwide Call for Artists, inviting professional muralists to create an 80-foot mural on the downstream side of the Sanford Dam powerhouse wall. The mural will commemorate the May 2020 dam failures and celebrate the extraordinary community effort that followed to restore the Four Lakes.
The project is part of a broader greenspace and educational walkway initiative designed to chronicle the historical impact of the four dams—Sanford, Edenville, Smallwood, and Secord—while celebrating the resilience that emerged following catastrophic flooding. Community input has shaped the vision, with residents expressing a desire for artwork that balances reflection and aspiration, honoring both the individuals and organizations critical to restoration efforts and looking toward a hopeful future.
This is a professional opportunity open to artists and artist teams residing in the United States with demonstrated experience creating large-scale outdoor murals or public artworks. While national in scope, local and regional artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
The selection process begins with portfolio review, after which semifinalists will each receive a $500 stipend to develop a concept proposal. The project's steering committee will review and vote on proposals. The selected artist or team will receive a $30,000 commission covering design, materials, travel, and installation.
Applications should not include a mural design at this stage. Instead, submit a single PDF email with specified materials by April 3, 2026.