We are pleased to announce that in celebration of Oxnard College’s 50th anniversary, we propose the creation of a commemorative mural that reflects the college’s rich history, diverse community, and its legacy of serving our students and community with a sense of “heart”. This mural will serve as a vibrant and enduring tribute to the students, faculty, and classified professionals who have shaped the institution over the past five decades. We seek established artists to create a mural on two panels in Condor Hall, beginning in July with project completion by August 15, 2025.

The college will select multiple students to help the selected artist(s) with the implementation of the work in order for our students to gain knowledge in working with professional artist(s) on a professional mural. These students will be enrolled in summer art classes at the College.

Purpose of the Mural

The 50th Anniversary Mural Project aims to:

• Celebrate Oxnard College’s milestone achievement.
• Highlight the cultural and historical significance of the college within the local community.
• Foster campus pride and unity among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Create a lasting piece of public art that inspires current and future generations, becomes a focal point for the college to celebrate its achievements and contributions.

Design Themes

The mural will encapsulate key themes, including:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Representing the multicultural fabric of Oxnard College and its commitment to equity and opportunity for all.
• Educational Excellence: Displaying the college’s dedication to academic achievement and lifelong learning, focus of equity and access.
• Community Impact: Highlighting the college’s role as a cornerstone of the local community. Highlight a College, which helps shape the lives of first-generation college students and their families, in a city with a rich agricultural history, richness of diversity, activism, and pride.
• Future Aspirations: Emphasizing innovation, growth, and the boundless potential of Oxnard College students and employees, and the resilience of the communities we serve.
• Historic Agricultural Movement: Oxnard College has been influenced by the richness of the agriculture industry and worker rights movements led by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. We would like the mural to reference the impact of agriculture and the college’s role in providing a pathway to opportunities for agricultural families.

Artist Selection

This request is open to all professional artists with a preference given to local artists who have a connection to Oxnard College or the surrounding community. Artists should submit proposals for the mural, which align with the purpose and theme of the mural by April 15, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel using the criteria as follows: complete application packet, evaluation of artistic merit, creativity and technical skills, mural concept and understanding of key themes, and appropriate regard for audience.
(see below for specific proposal details)

Checklist for Submission:

Your proposal should include:

• a one-page artist(s) statement that addresses interest, relevant artistic experience, your specific connection to the College or the City of Oxnard, and how your design would align with the purpose of the mural.
• concept of the mural design, provided as either a written description (outlining vision, themes, and materials) or a visual rendering (such as sketches, digital illustrations, or scaled mock-ups)
• examples of recent work that speak to this project, no older than 4 years. Please send examples of your work as JPGS. (up to 12 JPGS of recent work (1200 pixels on the long side) Make sure your recent work samples are labeled in this format: First initial, last name; title; identifying number or title; jpg.
• optional: may include up to three (3) selections of support materials such as reviews, news articles, personal website, and other related information.

Timeline

(dates are subject to change)

1. March 19th, 2025 – Call to Artists opens
2. April 15th, 2025 – Call to Artists submissions are due by 5pm
3. April-May 2025 – Submissions will be reviewed, the winning artist(s) will be contacted and announced May 15th
4. May-June 2025 – Artist(s) to present full design and rendering to college for President approval and provide modifications if required
5. June-August 2025 – Mural installation and completion by August 15th, 2025
6. September 2025 – College will host a ribbon cutting ceremony as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations