Proposals for a new mural on a wall facing the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail will be narrowed down during a virtual meeting of the Lewes Public Art Committee at 6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17. The winning design is set to be selected Thursday, Aug. 20. 

In lieu of the planned Water Tower display – which was postponed due to COVID-19 – the committee will move forward with a temporary mural to be displayed for at least 18 months on the side of the Lewes Board of Public Works’ former electric facility on Schley Avenue. The 48-by-28-foot mural will be visible from the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail on the stretch between the Lewes Public Library and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. The mural’s narrative and design should reflect the spirit of Lewes.

The committee is encouraging the public to comment on the submitted design proposals. People can send comments to lewespublicart@gmail.com or join the Aug. 17 virtual meeting by following the link at the bottom of the committee’s agenda at lewes.civicweb.net. 

The committee has put out an open call to artists throughout Delaware, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Proposals will be judged by the committee in late August. The artist of the winning mural concept will have a quick turnaround to begin work on the piece, as the committee expects the mural to be completed by Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The project’s budget is $5,000 for an artist or a team of collaborative artists. The budget should include the artist fee, supplies, travel expenses, maintenance requirements for 18 months and other associated costs.

Artists will retain ownership of design ideas submitted with an application until a selection has been made and a contract signed. The chosen design will become property of the City of Lewes.