Photo credit: Susan Kain
Project Overview
Friends of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge seeks proposals from qualified artists and designers to create an artistic design for decorative gateways at three trail entrances. These gateways will enhance the visitor experience with wildlife-themed artwork and communicate seasonal closure information to protect nesting birds.
We are seeking an artist to develop the conceptual design and artwork that will be fabricated by a metalwork contractor. Your artistic vision will define the gateway’s character and connection to the Refuge’s wildlife and mission.
Design Budget Cap: Up to $3,500
Project Scope
Design Objectives
The artist will create:
- Artistic concept and design for a wildlife-themed gateway featuring native species (birds, mammals, plants)
- Visual design that integrates with metal arch structure and panel framework
- Artwork designed to be cut from metal, creating silhouettes and decorative patterns
- Collaboration with selected metal fabricator to ensure artistic vision is maintained during production
Gateway Specifications
- Structure: Two walking path arches and one set of panels lining a vehicle dirt road
- Materials: Design will be fabricated in metal with weather-resistant finish
- Themes: Native wildlife, habitat, conservation, seasonal protection of nesting birds
Deliverables
- Conceptual design with artistic vision statement
- Detailed artwork/patterns for metal cutouts or decorative panels
- Design specifications including dimensions and layout
- Digital files suitable for fabrication (format to be determined with fabricator)
- Consultation with fabricator during production
Submission Requirements
We want to honor your time and expertise. Please do not create new work for this proposal. Instead, submit:
1. Artist Qualifications
- Artist biography or resume
- Artist statement or description of your artistic approach
- Portfolio of previous work (5-10 examples)
- Any experience with public art, outdoor installations, or nature-themed work
2. Design Approach (Optional)
While not required, you may include:
- A brief written description of how you might approach this project
- A simple sketch or concept drawing (rough/informal is fine)
- Examples from your portfolio that relate to this project’s themes
Please note: We do not expect or require you to create new artwork or detailed designs for this proposal. Your existing portfolio and any brief conceptual notes you wish to share are sufficient.
3. Project Timeline
- Estimated timeframe for design development
4. Proposed Budget
Please provide:
- Your design fee
- Breakdown of deliverables included in fee
- Any additional costs (travel for site visit, revision rounds beyond agreed scope, etc.)
- Payment structure preference (e.g., deposit upon contract signing, milestone payments, etc.)
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Artistic Vision & Portfolio Quality (40%) – Quality of your artwork and how well your style fits this project
- Experience with Relevant Themes (25%) – Previous work with nature, wildlife, public art, or outdoor projects
- Design Approach (20%) – How well you understand the project and how your artistic style works for what we need
- Budget & Timeline (15%) – Reasonable cost, practical schedule, and clear list of what you’ll deliver
Submission Instructions
Please submit proposals electronically to:
Diana Shafer, Executive Director
Friends of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
Email: info@friendsofdeerflat.org
Subject Line: “Gateway Design RFP – [Artist Name]”
Proposal Deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026, 5:00 PM MST
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Questions & Site Visit
Interested artists are encouraged to:
- Review photos of proposed gateway location (insert photos here)
- Submit questions via email by March 20, 2026
Contact Diana Shafer at info@friendsofdeerflat.org or 208-505-8703 to arrange a site visit or submit questions.
Additional Information
About Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge:
Established in 1909 by Theodore Roosevelt, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 11,617 acres across Idaho and Oregon. The Refuge provides habitat for 215 bird species and serves as breeding grounds for migratory birds and other wildlife. As an urban wildlife refuge, we are committed to connecting diverse communities with nature through accessible, welcoming spaces.
About Friends of Deer Flat NWR:
Friends of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Refuge through community engagement, education, and fundraising. We work in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance visitor experiences and protect wildlife habitat.
Terms & Conditions
- Friends of Deer Flat NWR reserves the right to reject any or all proposals
- Selected artist will be required to sign a contract
- Final design must be approved by Friends of Deer Flat NWR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Payment will be made according to agreed milestone schedule
- Artist retains copyright to artwork but grants Friends of Deer Flat NWR rights to fabricate the design and use images for promotional purposes
- Artist will be credited on signage and promotional materials
For More Information:
Diana Shafer, Executive Director
info@friendsofdeerflat.org
208-505-8703