As part of Colorado’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2026, and the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) seeks to engage the art community in creating a large mural that showcases Colorado’s agricultural history: past, present, and future. CDA’s working theme for celebration in 2026 is “Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy”.
“Agricultural roots run deep in Colorado, and next year we want to kick off the celebration of our state’s rich and vibrant agricultural heritage through art, which can honor the past and inspire a bountiful future,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “An original mural created by a local artist can help capture the multifaceted agricultural legacy of our state - from its foundational past, showcasing the ingenuity and hard work that built our farming and ranching traditions, to its thriving present, reflecting the innovative people who will feed our communities today and into tomorrow.”
This paid opportunity offers statewide exposure for the selected artist.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a local mural artist to contribute to the art history of Colorado in a powerful and meaningful way,” said David David Ocelotl Garcia, Colorado artist and muralist and the artistic advisor for this project. “This project will allow the artist the freedom to tell the story of agriculture using their own personal style and talent. Knowing the diversity of historical events that have shaped this state, I envision a mural composition that conveys a complete and visually understandable story that is uplifting and welcoming to all people. In addition, I think this would be a great opportunity for the artist to include and honor the natural environment of Colorado in a creative and colorful way.”
The selected artist or team of artists will be tasked with creating a mural that is at least 16 feet tall by 20 feet wide. The project will need to be completed by the end of December. CDA is looking for artists based in Colorado, who have previous mural experience and can present a vision that is bold, bright, and vibrant.
The mural will be unveiled at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in January 2026. The piece may travel around the state throughout the next several months, with its final celebration occurring at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo in August 2026.
Applications are being accepted through the close of business on Friday, August 1. Top finalists will be notified no later than mid-August and invited to present their proposal to a selection committee. Selected top finalists will receive a $500 stipend to create a design proposal presentation. Final artist selection will be made in September.
CDA has issued an Open Call for Muralist, which details the scope of the project and how to apply.
The open call for muralists is part of the larger campaign of community engagement and story telling. CDA has been collaborating with History Colorado to produce a coffee table book that elevates the histories and stories of Colorado agriculture. The multimedia project will include ways to listen to oral histories from Colorado farmers and ranchers.
In addition, CDA will be working with our partners in communities across Colorado to put together events across the state in 2026. These events will include long table dinners that will help Coloradans connect to agriculture, the people who grow their food, and to one another.
About the America 250 - Colorado 150 campaign: In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At the same time, Colorado will mark the 150th anniversary of its entrance into the Union. These combined anniversaries provide an opportunity for us to come together around our shared ideals. Learn more at historycolorado.org/colorado-150.