Call for Artists: A Public Art Opportunity in Downtown Waynesville

On August 26, 2026, the Town of Waynesville Public Art Commission will close submissions for a public art commission that invites qualified artists, fabricators, and artist teams to design, fabricate, and install seven small‑scale salamander sculptures throughout downtown Waynesville. The sculptures will form part of an interactive scavenger hunt that encourages residents and visitors to explore Main Street and learn about the region’s native salamander species. The project is funded entirely through donations, with no stipend or monetary award for the artists. The commission will provide design, fabrication, and installation support, and the project will be promoted through local media and the Waynesville Public Art Trail. Artists must submit a proposal by 12:00 pm on August 26, 2026. The RFP guidelines and application form are available on the town’s website under “Services > Bids.” The commission welcomes individual artists and teams; no age, nationality, or residency restrictions are listed. The project will be completed in 2026, with installation scheduled for the summer. The commission encourages collaboration with local businesses and the National Park Service, which will provide educational guidance and select salamander species. Participants who discover all seven sculptures will receive prizes from Smokies Life, including park patches, stickers, and a copy of “So Many Salamanders.”

Design, fabrication, and installation of sculptures; project funded through donations; no stipend.

Qualified artists, fabricators, and artist teams.