Deadline is nearing for mural proposals

First on the Moon, Inc., reminds artists that November 1 is the deadline to submit a proposal for creation of a mural on the west side of Coleman Professionals, 16 East Auglaize Street,

historic downtown Wapakoneta, with the selected mural's completion by July 1, 2022.

First on the Moon has identified the goals for the mural initiative as follows:

* to create a piece of public art for an outdoor environment that reflects the spirit of Wapakoneta and its unique relationship to Neil Armstrong, first human to walk on the moon;

* to engage our local community through educational programming organized by FOTM, including, but not limited to, volunteer participation, meet the artist opportunities, workshops, demonstrations, etc.; and

* to select a dedicated and qualified artist or artist team that can demonstrate artistic excellence while completing this project on time and within budget.

Proposals will be printed and displayed at an exhibition held at Riverside Art Center in historic downtown Wapakoneta. Community members will be invited to view the submissions. The final selections will be made by the board of directors for First on the Moon.

The vision of First on the Moon is to enhance public understanding of and appreciation for Wapakoneta, Ohio's, unique identity as the

home of Neil A. Armstrong, first person to walk on the moon. First on the Moon develops and implements public arts and humanities programming, thematic events, and legacy initiatives that garner a high degree of collaboration among stakeholders and reach the widest demographic possible.

"We love sharing the Armstrong story with Auglaize County residents and with the world. We've had much positive feedback about our

utility box art installments, and decided that the next big step would be a mural," organization Vice President Rachel Barber said. "We thank Coleman Professionals for providing an

optimal space for such art. With 2022 marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, our community will again be a major focus of attention. We're proud to provide another great reason for people to visit."

Any artist or team of artists interested in creating a two-dimensional mural may complete and submit a proposal by Nov. 1, according to the guidelines provided by First on the Moon. No residency requirement is placed

upon submitting artists. For a complete copy of the RFP, contact Barber at auglaizecounty1848@ gmail.com.