Anythink is seeking an artist to create a permanent public art piece that will present an opportunity for visitors to participate in an individual ritual activity upon entering the space. The piece will be on permanent display at the Anythink Nature Library. This project will serve as a meaningful, interactive experience that encourages reflection, connection, and a deeper kinship with the natural world.
Request for Proposal for Ritual Element Public Art at the Anythink Nature Library
Anythink Libraries will accept mailed and e-mailed qualification submittals.
Anythink Libraries will not accept fax qualification submittals.
Proposals will be accepted until: Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. (MST)
Responses to this RFQ are to be addressed to: Maria Mayo-Peaseley, Anythink Nature Library Branch Manager
Anythink Libraries
5877 E. 120th Ave.
Thornton, CO 80602
Tel: (303) 405-3200
E-mail: mmayo@anythinklibraries.org
Questions shall be submitted via email, and must be received by Saturday, February 21st, 2026, by 5 p.m. (MST)
Anythink will provide written responses to the questions received via email by the deadline, which will be posted to the website on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, by 5 p.m. (MST).
Optional site tours of the Nature Library for interested artists will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. and on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 9 a.m. at:
Anythink Nature Library
6811 E 136th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80602
RSVP for the tour to Maria Mayo-Peaseley at MMayo@anythinklibraries.org at minimum one business day before scheduled tour date.
Proposals containing three (3) hard copies or one (1) digital file (in pdf format) may be submitted by:
- email to mmayo@anythinklibraries.org or
- delivery in person at 5877 E. 120th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80602 or
- mail to Maria Mayo-Peaseley, Anythink Nature Library Branch Manager:
- Anythink Libraries Public Art Ritual Element RFP Selection Committee
Attn: Maria Mayo-Peaseley
5877 E. 120th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80602
- Anythink Libraries Public Art Ritual Element RFP Selection Committee
Concept discussions will be scheduled with Finalists for the week of March 23, 2026.
Awards will be made to the selected artist on or before Friday, April 3, 2026.
Site opportunities for the piece
Below are images showing potential locations for the piece, depending on the artist’s vision. Click any image to view it in a larger size.
If ADA compliant, the piece could be free standing on one or both sides of the entry to the Kinship Garden, alongside the round pillars, inviting customers into the garden.
The piece could also be outside in the Kinship Garden – facing customers when they walk into the space (approximately where the wooden plank is shown here). We have the option to add a semicircle concrete pad to the existing sidewalk to accommodate the artwork so that customers can experience it as soon as they walk into the garden.
The piece could also be mounted on the wall of the interior corridor that faces the garden’s entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the available budget offered for the permanent public art piece for the Nature Library?
Anythink has not established a predetermined budget for this project. We ask that respondents propose a budget within their submission that reflects the resources required to complete their vision. These budgets will be reviewed and thoughtfully considered by the Selection Committee as part of the overall evaluation process.
Is the space indoors or outdoors?
Anythink is open to the piece being located either indoors or outdoors. We have an open-to-sky garden (“Kinship Garden”) in the center of the library which is one proposed location for the piece, and we also have space in the corridor that leads to the door to the garden that could accommodate the piece. If it is in the Kinship Garden, it would need to be able to withstand the elements. In either case, the piece must be its own freestanding entity, would not be built into the foundation or floor of the library, and would need to adhere to the dimensions specified in the RFP.
Do you have any photographs of the space?
There are some photos and drone footage of the overall project on our Anythink Nature Library landing page. Please see below for blueprint images of the Kinship Garden (1) and the corridor (2) including dimensions of the corridor for reference.
Is there a current concrete foundation?
It depends on the location. The piece would either be placed on concrete if located in the Kinship Garden, or on terrazzo flooring or mounted in some way if located inside the library.
Is there any flexibility in the dimensions?
We do have some flexibility in terms of dimensions, though ADA requirements must be met, so the depth of the piece would need to be considered. The corridor measurements are 7′ 83/4” at the widest to 6′ 111/2” at the narrowest.
Approximately how many artists do you anticipate submitting proposals?
We do not have an estimate in terms of number of proposals we anticipate. We will review all proposals that are submitted on time, and meet the RFP requirements.
Will there be a shortlist or finalist phase prior to full proposal development?
We will invite three finalists to present their proposals to our selection committee (no further proposal development will be required of artists who are selected as finalists).
Is there any stipend available for artists asked to develop detailed concepts?
Artists may include in the budget they propose an additional fee for proposal development if they choose, but no stipend is available prior to artist selection.
Does it have to be on the wall? or is it possible to hang from the ceiling?
It could hang from the ceiling, though please keep in mind it would need to be durable enough for hundreds of visitors to interact with it every day.
Can it make some noise or sounds?
Yes, we are open to an audio sensory component.
