Call For Artists Submissions
National Road Milestone Public Art Project
Deadline to Apply:
April 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm
The Garrett County Arts Council (GCAC), in partnership with the Town of Grantsville and the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District, and funded by the Maryland State Arts Council’s Public Art Across Maryland Grant, invites artists to apply for the next phase of the National Road Milestone Public Art Project.
Begun in 2024, this project features stainless steel replica milestones, created using historic molds. These milestones will be permanently installed along the National Road and within the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District, becoming public artworks that honor local history while reflecting contemporary creative voices.
We are seeking four (4) artists or artist-teams to design and complete durable, weather-resistant surface artwork on these milestone sculptures.
ABOUT THE THEME
The National Road & Motion
The National Road was more than a roadway. It was a route of movement and change that was shaped by every footstep, wagon wheel, and automobile tire that travelled along it.
For this project, artists are invited to explore motion on the National Road in its many forms.
Motion along the National Road has taken many forms. There is the motion of people traveling and settling, of hands at work and daily labor, and of stories and goods exchanged along the way. There is the motion of time itself, layering memory over place, and of arrival and departure, coming home or moving on. There is also the quieter motion of the landscape. The wind, water, wildlife, and seasons shifting shaping how people live and move through this place.
Your design may be literal, abstract, symbolic, traditional, or poetic. We welcome ideas rooted in personal experience, regional heritage, craft traditions, or imaginative interpretation. There is no single “right” approach. What matters most is a clear, thoughtful connection to place and movement.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
This call is open to established and emerging artists working across a wide range of styles and materials.
We welcome self-taught artists and craft-based practices.
You do not need formal training, a degree, or prior public art experience to apply. Artists working in traditional, heritage, folk, or craft-based practices (alongside contemporary approaches) are strongly encouraged to submit.
We are looking for a clear idea, proficiency with your chosen materials, and the ability to complete the work within the project timeline.
Working With Assistants or Collaborators
Applications must be submitted under one primary artist’s name. This person will be the main point of contact, will sign the contract, and will be responsible for communication, scheduling, and completion of the milestone.
Artists are welcome to receive help or assistance during the creation process. In fact, heritage practices tell us that making was often communal. This might look like support from family members, apprentices, collaborators, or studio assistants. It also means reaching out right away to GCAC Staff if you run into a complication or delay.
While help is allowed and encouraged, the submitted concept and finished artwork should clearly reflect the vision and direction of the primary artist named on the application.
Eligibility:
Artists from the tri-state Appalachian region.
Applications must be submitted under one primary artist’s name.
The primary artist must be 18 years or older. Artists under 18 may apply if sponsored by a legal parent or guardian.
Artists may not be current GCAC Board members or full-time staff.
Family members of Board or staff ARE eligible.
Part-time staff (Artist Ambassadors), Juried Gallery Shop Artists, and Volunteers ARE eligible.
Artists must demonstrate the ability to complete the project as proposed and on schedule.
ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES
Selected artists will be responsible for:
Creating original artwork for the surface of a 3D stainless steel milestone, which celebrates the unique heritage of Grantsville and/or its history with the National Road, utilizing the theme of motion.
Using materials and processes suitable for outdoor, long-term display.
Ensuring the final artwork can be sealed for weather resistance.
Transporting the milestone to and from their workspace.
GCAC may be able to provide workspace if needed.
Purchasing materials, keeping track of receipts, and managing a budget.
Providing monthly progress check-ins.
Sharing progress photos for reporting, promotion, and community engagement.
Communicating promptly if any challenges or delays arise.
GCAC will manage installation, documentation of the installed work, and long-term care coordination.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
Please include the following with your application:
Completed Design Template
Use the provided downloadable template (at bottom of this webpage).
Sketches, collage, digital mockups, or mixed methods are welcome.
The goal is to clearly show your idea—not to produce a finished rendering.
3–5 Images of Recent Work
Created within the last 2 years. Not from a kit.
Choose examples that show your experience with similar materials or techniques. If your design features animals, make sure you show us some examples of animals!
Materials & Durability Notes
A brief explanation of what materials you plan to use, and estimation of materials cost.
How the work will be sealed or protected outdoors. This might include the GCAC provided industrial sealant.
Optional Artist Statement
If you are not used to writing an artist statement, short and informal is perfectly fine! GCAC has provided a short guide to help with writing about your idea.
Share why this project matters to you or how it connects to your practice. What about this year’s theme or the National Road inspired you?
Explain why you chose the images and colors in your design.
Please note:
No overt political, religious, copyrighted, or branded imagery is allowed.
AI-generated imagery is not eligible and will not be considered.
PROJECT TIMELINE
April 3, 2026 (11:59 pm) – Application Deadline
Early April 2026 – Jury Review & Artist Notification
April 2026 – Artist Contracts Signed
April 2026 – Milestones Available for Pick-Up
Early May 2026 – Artist Check-In
Late May 2026 – Artist Check-In
June 15, 2026 – Artwork Completion Deadline
Late June 2026 – Clear Coating & Installation
June 26, 2026 – Public Dedication Event (Grantsville Days)
COMPENSATION
Each selected artist will receive:
$1,500 honorarium for completion of one milestone;
Up to $500 reimbursement for materials and supplies (upon completion with submitted receipts).
Artists are responsible for managing their materials budget, keeping track of their receipts, and production schedule.
HOW SELECTION WORKS
Applications will be reviewed by the Grantsville Public Art Committee, with consideration given to:
Clarity of the proposed idea
Connection to the theme and to place
Feasibility and durability of materials
Demonstrated care and craftsmanship
Overall contribution to the public art experience in Grantsville
HOW TO APPLY
Email your completed materials to: aedistrict@visitgrantsville.com / info@garrettarts.org
With the Subject Line: Milestone Public Art Proposal
Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, or PDF
If you have questions or need assistance applying, please reach out—we are happy to help.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Before submitting, make sure you have:
☐ Application submitted under one primary artist’s name
☐ Your design idea clearly explained
☐ Sketches or visuals that help show what you mean
☐ 3–5 images of recent work (last 2 years)
☐ A short note about materials and outdoor durability
☐ Optional artist statement
☐ Files saved as JPEG, PNG, or PDF
☐ Email sent by April 6, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Tip:
If a neighbor or family member can look at your proposal and understand your idea, you’re on the right track!
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The National Road Milestone Public Art Project is supported by a Maryland State Arts Council Public Arts Across Maryland planning grant. The stainless steel milestones are provided to artists and will become permanent public artworks celebrating Grantsville’s role as a gateway, crossroads, and cultural connector.
This project is about movement, memory, and making by hand and by heart with care for the place we share.
Downloadable Template:
Please use the downloadable template to show your artistic concept for the project. This template should be included in your application as part of the “Examples of Applicants Artwork” section.
Click below for a printable template: