Request for Proposal
Fenner Conservancy is seeking proposals from mural artists to help bring new life to both indoor and outdoor spaces at Fenner Nature Center. We’re looking for creative, nature-inspired artwork that enhances the visitor experience and reflects the character of our site.
This mural project at Fenner Nature Center is made possible with support of the City of Lansing Arts Projects Grant Program, funded by the City of Lansing with administration by the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. The murals will transform high-traffic areas of the Visitor Center into vibrant, educational spaces and involve collaboration with our staff and volunteers.
1. Project Overview
We are exploring options for outdoor murals in high-visibility areas and indoor murals in community and program spaces.
| Outdoor Murals | Indoor Murals |
| North side (A, B, C): approx. 483 sq ft East side (D): approx. 222 sq ft | Entryway to Visitor Center (not pictured): approx. 150 sq ft |
Artists should provide separate cost estimates for the outdoor murals, the indoor mural, and for each individual wall (A, B, C, and D). Each proposal should include all materials, labor, equipment, and any other costs necessary to complete the work as described. Please provide a clear breakdown for each area so we can evaluate the feasibility of each portion of the project.
2. Artist Eligibility & Collaboration
- Artists must be comfortable leading and working alongside volunteers on portions of the murals (i.e., “paint-by-numbers” days), fostering a community-driven approach to the project.
- Preference will be given to artists based in the Greater Lansing area or surrounding counties to encourage local participation and community engagement.
- Artists must be willing to collaborate with Fenner Nature Center staff on the artistic direction of the murals.
Artists are encouraged to consider the full scope of work when submitting proposals, reflecting all costs necessary to complete the mural to the standards described.
3. Project Timeline
Fenner Conservancy anticipates beginning the mural project in April 2026, with an expected completion by September 2026. Artists should confirm that their proposed work can be completed within this timeframe or note any constraints in their proposal.
Proposal Deadline: March 18, 2026, by 3:00 PM
Artist Selection Notification expected by: April 1, 2026
4. Mural Content
We welcome a wide range of artistic styles and concepts. The mural should connect to Fenner’s mission of conservation, education, and stewardship, and the selected artist will collaborate with Fenner staff to refine the creative direction so the final design reflects both the artist’s vision and the site’s educational mission.
| What to Include in Your Proposal | Selection Criteria |
| Please provide: • Full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number of the artist(s). • A brief introduction to you or your studio • A portfolio or link to past mural or large-scale work • Your estimated project cost(s) for: (1) Outdoor Mural A-D, (2) Indoor Mural, and (3) Each individual wall (A, B, C, D) • General timeline availability No design concept is required at this stage. | Proposals will be evaluated based on: • Artistic quality and vision demonstrated in the portfolio • Ability to create nature-themed work and collaborate with staff and volunteers • Experience managing mural projects of similar size and scope • Clarity and reasonableness of cost estimates |
Submit Your Proposal
Send the above materials in one PDF to director@mynaturecenter.org.
You may also submit questions to the e-mail above.
We look forward to seeing your ideas and exploring how your work could become part of the Fenner landscape.