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City plans call for artists to paint 24-99 underpass tunnel; board discusses gallery-style, community submissions
Summary
Highland Village staff proposed a call for artists and a community-driven approach to paint the trail tunnel under FM 2499, seeking a community-engaging theme and possible gallery-style submissions including youth work; staff estimates $15,000–$16,000 to prepare and paint the tunnel.
Highland Village Parks and Recreation staff outlined March 17 plans to commission artwork for the pedestrian tunnel under FM 2499 and to include the project in next year’s Art Festival. The tunnel, which staff recently waterproofed after leaks, will be painted a white base and offered as a public art opportunity aimed at engaging local artists and the community.
Staff estimated the painting and preparation cost at about $15,000 to $16,000 based on prior-year quotes (last year’s cost was about $14,500). The board discussed issuing a call for artists or an RFP with specific prompts—examples offered included local wildflowers, “what the parks mean to you,” or an eclectic, multi-artist gallery wall that would solicit postcard-style community submissions, including work from children or school participants.
Phil and board members said the project should be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages; the board recommended keeping selection criteria broad enough to allow creative freedom but also suggested including thematic prompts (nature, park experiences) and clear content restrictions (PG, family-appropriate). The board discussed scoring options to favor Highland Village residents where proposals are otherwise equal, though several members cautioned against excluding nonresidents entirely to avoid needlessly narrowing the pool.
Staff said artists would be asked to submit a concept (sketch, charcoal, or other mock-up) and that the board would likely hold a work session to evaluate submissions and recommend finalists to City Council. The timeline discussed: staff aims to finalize the selection and have the tunnel primed/painted white after the October budget release, with artists working afterward; the finished display could be featured at next year’s spring art festival.
Legal and logistical items staff will check with the city attorney include whether the city can accept volunteer artists working pro bono and how to structure material supply and liability. Phil said the city would provide supplies (paint, scaffolding, etc.) and that staff would draft a scoring rubric and outreach plan for the board to review by email. Board members suggested outreach to neighborhood schools and a strong social-media push; one commenter suggested a resident-preference tiebreaker on the scorecard.
Board members favored a community gallery approach that could include multiple artists and potentially student work, but they also asked staff to keep the selection parameters clear so the final display achieves a coherent visual result while remaining welcoming to community contributors.
