Mural Designs: Northport Arts Association Tile Murals - Call for Artists

CALL FOR ARTISTS – Mural Designs: Northport Arts Association Tile Murals

The Northport Arts Association invites artists and designers to submit original mural concepts for five tile installations, each to be prominently displayed in public buildings throughout the Village of Northport.

Project Highlights
• Suggested Themes:
The Marina, Christmas Cove, Peterson Park, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Woolsey Airport, Northport Village Scenes, or Leelanau Township’s scenic landscapes (such as cherry orchards, farms, woodlands, and trillium).
• Mural Dimensions:
Approximately 130 glazed tiles, arranged to measure either 5 ft wide × 3 ft tall or 3 ft wide × 5 ft tall (horizontal or vertical orientation).

• Design Style:
Interpretation is open—literal or abstract representations are welcome.
• Mural Installation Locations:
1. Leelanau Township Office Entrance
2. Leelanau Township Library
3. Village of Northport Meeting Room
4. Northport Public School
5. Northport Creek Golf Course

Submission Guidelines
• Rendering Format:
Must be letter-size (8.5" × 11"), in color or black & white.
• Artist Statement: Include a brief concept description for each design, along with your contact information and
a short bio.
• Submission Options: 
o Mail: Northport Arts Association, PO Box 262, Northport, MI 49670
o Email (PDF): northportartsforall@gmail.com

Awards & Recognition
• The submitted mural designs will be judged by the Northport Arts Association Board of Directors.
• The artist selected for each mural location will receive a $250 award.
• The artist’s name will be glazed into the tile, and there will be media announcements and publicity for the winning designs.
Timeline & Funding
Deadline: Submissions must be received by October 30, 2025—no exceptions.
This project is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.

Funding & Community Impact
Supported by a $10,000 SEED Grant from Traverse City Rotary Charities, this project aims to
enrich public spaces, engage participants of all ages, and foster creative outreach in under-resourced
areas. The grant also builds momentum for expanding the NAA’s Clay Studio and broader programs.
Northport is deeply grateful to Traverse City Rotary Charities for their “Seeds” Grant, which supports
community growth in the arts. This SEED Grant serves as a stepping stone toward a larger grant the
Northport Arts Association hopes to secure for expanding the Clay Studio to accommodate a larger
kiln, generously donated by The Chetcuti Evans Foundation
The larger kiln donation was made with the vision of hosting Artists-in-Residence, enhancing the
diversity and reach of the clay program. Future grants are being pursued to expand access to the arts,
particularly for:
• Residents at Northport Highlands Assisted Living and Memory Care.
• Preschool-age children
• Individuals of all ages eager to create art but hindered by prohibitive costs