West Cook YMCA Collaboration Opportunity
CALL FOR OPAL ARTIST MEMBERS
The West Cook YMCA has invited the Oak Park Art League to collaborate on an exciting mural project in their community gathering space that will be the focal point of their remodeled first floor. OPAL is seeking a team of 3-5 dedicated OPAL member artists for this initial mural project collaboration.
Mural Project Details
Location: West Cook YMCA, Oak Park, Marion Street location in their community gathering space. One wall 8.5 ft H x 22 ft W
Timeline: Painting during YMCA closure preferred (August 17 - September 2)
Debut: First Friday street festival open house (October 3)
Compensation: Small stipend provided per artist, permanent public art presence that is seen by thousands of people annually, CV and portfolio bump
Style: Figurative work celebrating the people who use the space, could incorporate abstracted elements, bright colors, wellness themed. See public art mosaics on south exterior.
Requirements
Being considered for this project is a benefit of OPAL membership.
Research YMCA's mission and values
Be willing to participate in community engagement to source imagery for project.
Be willing to offer one or two ideas as far as content and approach, (community involvement?) concept drawings would be great.
Commitment to collaborative approach with other selected artists
Available during the August painting window timeframe, though the mural can be ongoing and there are multiple mural spots available, this first one is the focus to begin this collaboration.
Additional Opportunity
If mural timing doesn't work, consider proposing artwork for exhibition in the various spaces, images available on request. This is an ongoing satellite exhibition opportunity, 3-4 month rotation.
Next Steps
Interested? Send an email. We'll share:
Photos of the spaces and floor plan
Color/branding strategy guidelines
Timing is tight! We would like to have the mural artist team assembled by August 15 to start work on August 17.
This partnership showcases OPAL's artistic voices while strengthening our community connections and helping us refocus on art as self-care, expressive empowerment and healing. OPAL's branding will be included.
Looking forward to your ideas and collaboration!
