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Summary

Request for proposals for mural artists to create a mural and accent walls for the Rotchford Outdoor Learning Center.

Mural Artist for Ratchford Outdoor Learning Center

Issue Date: July 8, 2025
Proposal Due Date: July 30, 2025

Project Overview

Aerial views showcase our school campus, featuring two prominent buildings. In each image, a red circle highlights the same rooftop area—designated as the William S. Ratchford, II Outdoor Learning Space. This unique location offers an outstanding opportunity for talented mural artists to display their creative work and enhance our community environment.

The Maryland School for the Blind invites proposals from professional mural artists to design and install a permanent mural on the central exterior wall and coordinating accents on the surrounding walls of the William S. Ratchford, II Outdoor Learning Space. The selected mural will bring visual identity and warmth to the space, which is designed as a fully accessible, flexible-use outdoor classroom and gathering area serving students of all ages and abilities.

This project will honor Bill Ratchford’s legacy and align with the school’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, creativity, and joyful learning.

About the Site

The mural site is a large central gable-end wall located within the 5,000 square foot “room without a roof”, situated next to the new Weinberg Library on MSB’s historic campus.

  • The walls face directly into the patio and are broken up by windows, doors, and other building features.
  • Furniture within the space is moveable offering a unique environment for the mural to shine alongside adaptable benches, picnic seating for wheelchair users, and high-contrast tables and chairs.

Primary Mural Wall Dimensions

Main Wall:

From architectural annotations and photo documentation:

  • Wall Width: 192 inches (16 feet)
  • Wall Height (center): 166 inches (13 feet, 10 inches)
  • Side Slants: approx. 142 inches (11 feet, 10 inches)

The mural design should take into account:

  • Angled gable shape
  • Presence of vents and surface seams
  • Full sun and weather exposure
  • Accessibility for viewing and tactile appreciation
  • Main Mural designed to carry through the three surrounding walls to create an immersive and cohesive design.

Budget and Compensation

  • Total Budget: $5,000
    (Includes all artist fees, design time, materials, insurance, travel, installation, and final finishing.)
  • Payment schedule to be negotiated and may include:
    • 30% upon contract
    • 40% upon final design approval
    • 30% upon completion

Design Theme and Requirements

The mural should reflect the spirit and function of the space:

  • Themes: movement, nature, joy, and belonging
  • Style: Bold, uplifting, inclusive, and visually rich (including tactile and high-contrast features if possible)
  • Must be:
    • Weather-resistant
    • UV protected
    • Safe for all student interactions

Proposal Requirements

Please include the following in your submission:

  1. Artist Statement (1 page max)
    Describe your artistic background, interest in this project, and experience with murals
  2. Concept Sketch and Narrative
    A preliminary visual idea and explanation of your concept, materials, and approach.
  3. Portfolio
    3–5 images of past mural or public art projects (preferably with site context).
  4. Timeline
    Estimated schedule from design to completion.
  5. Budget
    Summary of how the proposed budget will be used.
  6. References
    Contact info for 2–3 past clients or project collaborators.

Eligibility and Preferences

  • Artists or artist teams with experience in public, or school projects.
  • Local and regional artists encouraged to apply.
  • Artists with disabilities and/or lived experience with accessibility are especially welcome.

Selection Criteria

Selections will be made based on:

  • Artistic quality
  • Experience and ability to complete the project
  • Feasibility of timeline and budget

Timeline

  • RFP Release: July 8, 2025
  • Deadline for Submissions: July 30, 2025
  • Artist Notification: August 5, 2025

Submission Instructions

Submit proposals in a single PDF to:

Marlo Jacobson
Email: marloj@mdschblind.org
Subject Line: Ratchford Mural Proposal – [Your Name]

Reference Photos

Explore the accessible design of The Maryland School for the Blind’s 5,000 sq. ft. building: this detailed diagram illustrates clear entrance routes from both a library and a classroom, ensuring ease of navigation for all students. Insets highlight our main and classroom entrances as well as large windows that fill learning spaces with natural light. The scale features students and teachers—reference for mural artists
At The Maryland School for the Blind, a welcoming beige brick building with a peaked roof rises behind our spacious, open tiled courtyard. Beneath a partly cloudy blue sky, this inviting space—with its large windows and single door—offers an ideal canvas for mural artists. We encourage creative minds to consider transforming this spot into a vibrant showcase of mural art that will inspire all who walk our campus.
At The Maryland School for the Blind, our modern, light-colored brick building with its expansive windows opens onto a spacious, accessible paved courtyard beneath bright blue skies. Along the left side, a welcoming metal fence creates an ideal canvas—inviting mural artists from our community to share their creativity and bring vibrant color to campus life.
Welcome to our rooftop terrace at The Maryland School for the Blind—a bright and inviting space designed for learning, gathering, and inspiring creativity. Framed by light-hued stone walls and accessible tiled flooring, the terrace offers large windows that showcase views of our nearby historic brick buildings. Against one wall sits a vibrant bench, a perfect muse for student mural projects or moments of reflection. Overhead, the partly cloudy sky invites students and staff alike to pause and enjoy this open-air sanctuary on campus.
At The Maryland School for the Blind, a welcoming beige brick building with a peaked roof rises behind our spacious, open tiled courtyard. Beneath a partly cloudy blue sky, this inviting space—with its large windows and single door—offers an ideal canvas for mural artists. We encourage creative minds to consider transforming this spot into a vibrant showcase of mural art that will inspire all who walk our campus.
a spacious area featuring durable tiled flooring and cream-colored brick walls. Large, square openings with protective wire mesh let in plenty of light and fresh air, These unique wall openings also offer an ideal canvas for mural artists, making the space perfect to showcase vibrant artwork that can be enjoyed by everyone who passes through.