Deadline: must be postmarked or received online by June 30th, 2019

Project Summary

The nation’s earliest and unheralded victory in the war against educational segregation took place in the San Luis Valley between 1912 and 1914 and it “was the first time in the history of America that a court fight was made over an attempt to segregate Mexicans in school.” The suit grew from local grassroots concern for equal education of Alamosa’s children. The case is Alamosa Case No. 6 Francisco Maestas et al vs. George H. Shone et al and was filed on 11-21-1913 with a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs on 4-17-1914. The case was filed as part of political efforts and mass struggle. The commemoration will be by bronze statue depicting the main subject child, Miguel Maestas, at his then age of 11. It is the hope that the placement of this statute would be a fitting tribute to the “rule of law” and its role in the historical advancement of Hispanics in the southwest.

Project Description 

This is a commission for on original bronze that will be publicly displayed in Alamosa County, CO. The deadline to apply is June 30th. The proposed project will begin fabrication after selection and the desired completion date is September 30th, so that the statue can be erected during Hispanic Heritage Month(Sept 15-Oct 15). The budget is currently around $20,000-$30,000 dependent on final size. Eligibility is open to all artists.

Art goals 

The objective of this project is to commemorate an important national milestone in overcoming educational segregation. The purpose it to bring awareness of our local history, to visually recognize this historical court case and remind local youth that they will be treated equally in the eyes of the law.

Art Location Description

The final location of the finished statue is under discussion but most likely be at an outdoor location in Alamosa, CO.

Budget

The amount of funding allocated to art for this project at this time is $20,000-$30,000 dependent on final size and amount of funds received. The amount paid to the artist will cover the artist’s fee, materials and fabrication of the piece.

Artist Eligibility

The artist is open to professional artists and artist teams. The artist must have completed a project with a similar budget, scale and scope. The final piece will be highly visible and important to the local community so artist who have experience interacting with the community are encouraged to apply. The qualifications that an artist must meet in order to be eligible for a project. 

Application Requirements

The list of materials artists should send by mail or online with applications.

Statement of interest (up to 500 words) Describe your specific interest in a project, your potential approach to the project or creating public art, and any past relevant experience.

Resume or short biography

Self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for the return of hardcopy materials

Project proposal: project description, drawings/renderings, materials list, budget, timeline, references, fabrication, installation, and maintenance information.

Visual support materials: can include digital images in exact formats, slides, videos, CDs, or prints. Include Annotated List for 1-3 projects: description, material, location, budget, client or commissioning organization.

Deadline: must be postmarked or received online by June 30th, 2019

Submission Address:

Alamosa Courthouse

℅ Martin Gonzales 

8955 Independence Way

Alamosa, CO 81101

martin.gonzales@judicial.state.co.us

Selection Process 

All applications will be reviewed by the Maestas Case Committee. This committee is made up of local judiciary officials, professionals, community representatives, artists, and non-profit representatives. Applications will be reviewed within 5 days of the deadline. Finalists will be chosen and interviewed by phone or in person by the Maestas Case Committee before July 5th, 2019 and the final artist selection will announced by July 10th, 2019. 

​Selection Criteria

Applicants should have evidence of working in their field for 5 years or more then they will be individually judged on their application meeting the needs of the committee.