2026 Edition: Call for Artists!
WHAT: The design and installation of this temporary surface wayfinding signage is the first step in a larger effort to leverage the power of public art in service of public safety. This second annual pilot initiative seeks to evidence the practical application of a data-informed approach to wayfinding and traffic control in Bloomington to inspire support for installations of crosswalk murals as well as additional multipurpose public artworks in the city.
Applications Open: January 1, 2026
Deadline to Apply [EXTENDED]: February 7, 2026
Finalist Artists Notified: Mid-February 2026
Finalist Site-Specific Design Concepts Due: April 1, 2026
Chosen Artist Notification: Mid-April 2026
Installation: May 1, 2026 – June 13, 2026 (6 weeks)
WHERE: 13 sidewalk locations between the Bloomington Public Library and the McLean County Museum of History. More information on specifics is included in the application packet attached.
ARTIST COMPENSATION: Three finalist artists will be selected to draft site specific design concepts. These artists will be compensated $250 each for their design submissions.
The Public Art and Safety Committee will award the winning artist $5,000 for the final designs and to install the art.
THEME: The theme for this year is US Route 66 for the 100 year anniversary of our “Mother Road.”
MATERIALS/SUPPLIES: The winning artist will be granted up to an additional $1,000 for materials and supplies to complete the installation.
CONTACT:
Katherine McCarthy, Public Art and Safety Committee Chair mkmv1413@gmail.com
Hannah Johnson, Public Art and Safety Community Liaison hejohnson.art@gmail.com
2025 Edition: Artist Delia Kerr-Dennhardt
The work was completed by artist Delia Kerr, a University of Illinois graduate student who just earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science. The pieces were drawn in chalk before they were filled in with BLICK tempera paints has lasted into the winter of 2025.
For those who don’t know, Bloomington-Normal is considered the “Trapeze Capital of the World.” For nearly a century, Bloomington-Normal served as winter training grounds for trapeze artists and aerial acrobats from across the country. In 2023, the Illinois Historical Society installed a marker at the site of the former YMCA location at East and Washington streets (now a surface parking lot) where many of these performers honed their skills in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Delia’s Winning Design Concept Sketches
Our Goals
Pedestrian safety is a huge concern for us. 40 percent of all crashes involve intersections. Fifty percent of serious collisions happen in intersections, and some 20 percent of fatal collisions occur there. Bringing attention to pedestrians through public art is a proven way to cut back on these kinds of collisions.
We also seek to foster a strong sense of community and identity in Bloomington, IL. Public art and wayfinding signs are effective ways to empower communities, acknowledge local history, and create something unique for the city.
Want to Support Us?
Are you a business owner or a downtown supporter? We would be delighted to discuss partnership opportunities with you and answer any questions you might have. Contributions of any size are deeply appreciated and will help us achieve our goal of making Bloomington an even more connected and inviting place. Your tax-deductible donation to our 501(c)3 organization will go far, as the total amount of money needed is only several thousand dollars, most of which is to pay the winning artists fairly.
Source for traffic collision data: https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/contact-us
Sponsorships
We’d like to thank our sponsors, who have humbly allowed us to conduct public art without the use of public funds. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of the project, please email President@strongtownsblono.com
Sponsors of the 2025 Mural:
