CALL FOR ARTIST PROPOSALS
The PORT COFFEE & COMMUNITY MURAL PROJECT
A partnership between Port Coffee and Steppe Arts Okanogan County
Location: Downtown Omak, Washington
Mural size: Approximately 16 × 25 feet (400 square feet)
Total artist budget: $6,500
Proposal deadline: December 21, 2026
Anticipated installation: Early Spring 2027
Project Overview
Port Coffee, in partnership with Steppe Arts Okanogan County (formerly Methow Arts Alliance), invites artists and artist teams to propose a vibrant outdoor mural for the building housing Port Coffee in downtown Omak, Washington. The goal is a colorful, engaging work of public art that welcomes customers, enhances the streetscape, and celebrates creativity in our community.
Artistic Vision & Design Requirements
We are looking for something fun, colorful, imaginative, and full of personality. Designs may be whimsical, bold, contemporary, illustrative, or abstract, but should feel welcoming and memorable.
REQUIRED: The mural must include the exact words “Coffee Drive Thru” and a clearly visible arrow pointing toward the drive-through order window. This functional feature should be integrated into the artistic composition.
Designs should have strong visual impact for drivers and pedestrians, complement the business, use durable exterior materials suitable for Okanogan County weather, and be original artwork.
Project Budget
The total $6,500 budget is inclusive of artist fees, design, materials, surface preparation, painting, equipment, transportation, and installation-related costs. Applicants should include a basic budget demonstrating feasibility.
Artist Eligibility & Local Priority
The call is open to individual artists and teams with relevant visual art or mural experience, including emerging artists with demonstrated skills.
PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO QUALIFIED ARTISTS WHO RESIDE AND WORK IN OKANOGAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON. Artists from outside the county are welcome to apply, but local applicants will receive preference in selection. This priority reflects the partners’ commitment to supporting the local creative economy and creating paid opportunities for regional artists.
Proposal Requirements
Artist name, contact information, location, and short biography
Color sketch, digital rendering, or concept illustration
Brief concept statement explaining the artwork and required lettering/arrow
Three to five examples of previous work, ideally including large-scale projects
Itemized project budget within $6,500
Confirmation of availability in early Spring 2027
Selection Criteria
Artistic quality, originality, and alignment with the colorful, welcoming vision
Clear integration of “Coffee Drive Thru” and directional arrow
Ability to complete work on time and within budget
Technical experience and suitability of exterior materials
Priority for qualified artists residing and working in Okanogan County
Anticipated Timeline
Call opens October 2026
Proposals due December 21, 2026
Artist selection January 2027
Final design approval Winter 2027
Painting and installation Early Spring 2027, weather permitting
How to Apply
Email your proposal, as a single PDF, with the subject line “Port Coffee Mural Proposal – [Artist Name]” to Steppe Arts Okanogan County at director@methowarts.org. All submissions are due December 21, 2026. Questions may be directed to Steppe Arts before the deadline, director@methowarts.org.
About the Partners
The Port Coffee & Community is a downtown Omak coffee business seeking to bring color, creativity, and personality to its building and neighborhood.
Steppe Arts Okanogan County, formerly Methow Arts Alliance, is a nonprofit supporting arts education, live performance, public art, and creative economy development throughout Okanogan County.
Let’s bring some color to downtown Omak!
Due Date: 12/21/2026
Contact: director@methowarts.org