Solstice Canyon Restroom Mural Project

Call for Artists

Overview

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area invites local artists to help transform public spaces through a new mural project at Solstice Canyon. We are seeking four artists to design and paint murals on four restrooms to reduce graffiti, improve visitor experience, and bring community creativity into a highly visited trailhead. This project is in partnership with Western National Parks (WNP) and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SAMO Fund), whose support helps make this community art initiative possible.

Project Goals

This project will:

• Reduce graffiti and vandalism by applying intentional, local artwork
• Involve local artists and youth in public land stewardship
• Beautify a key visitor contact area
• Test this approach for possible expansion across other restrooms in the park

Artistic Inspiration & Theme Requirements

Artwork must be inspired by the Santa Monica Mountains, reflecting the landscape, ecology, or character of this unique region. Artists may draw site specific inspiration from Solstice Canyon, such as:

• The Canyon’s perennial stream and waterfall
• Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland ecosystems
• Local wildlife
• Natural textures, colors, patterns, and geology
• Themes can be abstract, representational, or stylistically unique.

Site Details & Artwork Scope

• Murals will be installed on the interior of four restroom structures at Solstice Canyon
• Artists will create one mural per vault, one artist per restroom
• Four total artists will be chosen, resulting in four unique works
• Park staff will prepare and prime each vault prior to painting and will apply a protective sealant after the artwork is completed
• Restrooms will be closed to the public during painting
• Artists should expect warm weather and high visitor activity

 

Specifications (Wall Dimensions)

Each restroom includes paintable wall surfaces with approximate dimensions:

• Wall 1: ~ 7 feet tall by ~ 7.5 feet wide

• Wall 2: 8 feet tall by ~ 5.5 feet wide

• Wall 3: 8 feet tall by ~ 7.5 feet wide

• Wall 4: 8 feet tall by ~ 5.5 feet wide (no paint on door)

Additional details:

• Some walls include handrails, toilet paper dispenser, a vent, a door, and hardware to work around.

• Murals are limited to wall surfaces only. Doors, handrails, dispensers, vents, hardware, and other restroom fixtures may not be painted and must remain unaltered.

Materials & Support

• Artists will submit a brief materials plan outlining their preferred medium and expected supplies.

• The park along with project partners will purchase all necessary materials, including paint, brushes, tarps, and rags. Artists may bring personal brushes or tools if preferred.

• All materials will be purchased in advance and available on-site.

• Each selected artist will receive $750 in compensation for designing and painting their mural. This compensation is separate from project materials, which will be provided by the park and project partners. Funding is generously provided by Western National Parks (WNP).

Artists must provide their own transportation to the site.

Contract

Selected artists will be registered as National Park Service volunteers for the duration of the project. Volunteer status provides liability coverage while working on-site. Artist compensation payments are separate and unaffected by volunteer registration.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from:

• Local artists
• Emerging or youth artists
• Artists experienced in murals or outdoor public art

Submission Requirements

Artist submission must include:

1. Portfolio of Work Samples: Please share 3-4 images or links to previous murals, public art, or large-scale work.

2. Statement of Interest: Let us know why you want to participate and how your work connects to nature, community or stewardship.

3. Preliminary Concept Sketch: Send us a rough sketch or written description of your idea and how it reflects the Santa Monica Mountains. Please use the Official Design Submission Template provided below.

4. Availability: Please provide confirmation that you can complete the mural within a designated 3-5 day painting window in February 2027.

5. Materials Plan: Please provide a brief list of expected paints and supplies.

Concept Sketch Template

Artists must use the provided template to sketch or describe their preliminary mural concept. The template outlines the restroom wall layout and ensures submissions follow the correct proportions.

Download the Official Design Submission Template here.

A preview of the template is also shown below for reference.

 

Timeline (TBD)

These dates are placeholders for planning and will be finalized after artist selection.

• Call for Artists Released: Early November 2026

• Applications Due: December 31, 2026

• Artist Review, Selection and Notification: January 2027

• Final Design Approval and Site Preparation: Late January 2027

• Painting Period: February 2027 (Artists should plan for a 3 –5 consecutive day painting window during the month of February. All artwork must be completed within the assigned timeframe.)

• Project Completion and Final Sealing: Late March 2027

Painting window will be scheduled based on weather conditions.

Selection Process

• A small panel of staff from the National Park Service will review submissions. Selection will be based on:

  • Clarity and originality of concept

  • Feasibility of completing the mural within the project timeframe

  • Connection to Santa Monica Mountains themes

  • Artistic quality and potential

  • Engagement in local arts community

Selected artists will be contacted with scheduling details and final project guidance.

How to Submit

Submit all materials by email to [e-mail] with the subject line: Solstice Canyon Mural Project - Artist Submission - (First Name & Last Name)

Questions?

For questions about the project, please contact Adriana Barrera via email [e-mail]