CALL FOR MURALISTS: CELEBRATE ELM CITY AND WILSON COUNTY’S BASKETBALL LEGACY | Due July 30, 2024

APPLY HERE: CaFÉ (callforentry.org)

Wilson Arts, The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House and African American Museum, and the Town of Elm City invite muralists from across North Carolina to create a vibrant, location-specific mural.  This artwork will celebrate Elm City’s rich basketball history, highlighting the legacy of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Harvey Reid Jr.

Harvey Reid Jr. coached for over 40 years at Frederick Douglass, Elm City High School, and Fike, where he also served as a math teacher and athletic director.  Although he was born in Fayetteville, his impact on his adopted hometown of Elm City was profound.  Reid holds the record as North Carolina’s all-time winningest coach, boasting an impressive coaching record of 816-208, which includes an astonishing 69-game winning streak.  His dedication to the sport and his students was unwavering, and his legacy continues to inspire.  Tragically, Reid passed away in 1991 after suffering a heart attack during a playoff game, just a year after his induction into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame.

We envision this mural capturing the essence of Elm City’s close-knit community, Harvey Reid’s caring yet disciplined spirit, his significant investment in the youth, and the enduring pride that Elm City holds for its remarkable basketball achievements.  We look forward to seeing how you can bring this story to life through your artistry.

This location is at 101 West Main Street, Elm City, NC 27822 in the heart of downtown Elm City, North Carolina with wonderful visibility down the main street and from the train.

Mural designs must not cover more than 75% of the wall space.  The wall is approximately 66 feet long/wide and 35 feet tall.  Since there are plans to add windows to the second level, where they were previously bricked over, the mural should be painted on the lower half of the wall to avoid interfering with this future work.  This would make the space available about 15 feet tall and 66 wide/long.  The space between the façade door and the side door is about 43 feet long.  While there is no specific requirement or expectation for how much of the wall should be covered, please clearly indicate in your proposal how much of the wall you intend to paint and the general area you plan to cover.  There is a small area where the current paint is peeling.

The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House will assist the artist in making the necessary contacts and resources to learn more about Harvey Reid and basketball history in Elm City.

One artist will be chosen and will receive a $6,000 honorarium.  The artist is responsible for purchasing their supplies and renting necessary equipment.  Wilson Arts can offer some supplies and support if it does not further impact the budget.

Application Requirements

Artists are responsible for the entire mural execution, including hiring and paying assistants if the artist chooses.

To be considered, applicants must include the following:

• Small portfolio (2-5 images) of past mural works or non-mural works most similar to the project.
• Narrative on approach to the mural.  Including other commission work to illustrate that you can adhere to a deadline will also be helpful.
• Artist statement: To include the biography, website, and/or social media
• Submit a preliminary budget (working within the $6,000 budget)  Be sure to include any equipment rentals, materials, artist, and assistant fees if there are any.)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is open to visual artists 18 years or older.