Baldwin Library mural seeks local artists by Aug. 12

Birmingham resident David Bloom is recruiting 15 to 20 local artists to paint a seven-panel mural inside Baldwin Public Library, and the application window closes Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 11:59 p.m.

The project, titled "An Imperfect Union," marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Selected artists will gather at the library Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30 to create the murals together on-site, and each will receive $250 upon completion.

Once finished, the panels will be permanently hung in the library's Grand Hall, one of the building's most visible spaces.

Three murals, one story

The seven panels break into three groupings that trace an arc of American history:

A 6-by-8-foot, two-panel mural depicting the country's current challenges
A 4-by-18-foot, three-panel mural depicting the country's past
A 6-by-8-foot, two-panel mural depicting a collective vision for the future

The scale is ambitious. Bloom, a visual artist and longtime Birmingham volunteer, pitched a similar collaborative concept to the library board in 2021, according to the Detroit Free Press. That project, called "Zip US Up," proposed linking 40 canvas panels painted by different artists to promote unity through diversity. "An Imperfect Union" scales the idea into a permanent installation with a national milestone as its anchor.

How to apply

Artists can submit entries through the CreativeWest platform. The Baldwin Public Library call for art, written by library staff member Rebekah Craft, was posted Aug. 5.

Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill St. in Birmingham. The library can be reached at (248) 647-1700.