Artist Opportunities 

The initial phase of the IMAGO project is currently underway, and 16 artists have been selected to create butterfly designs. If you are interested in being considered for phase two, which may launch in 2027, please fill out the application form below.

Artists selected for the project will be assigned one or more butterfly wing sections to design and paint/adorn.

Selected artists will receive:

• Prepared butterfly wing panels

• Design specifications and templates

• Installation handled by project partners

• Professional promotion through project marketing efforts

• Artist recognition through printed and digital materials

• Opportunities to participate in artist talks, public painting events, media opportunities, and community engagement activities associated with the IMAGO project

Artist Compensation

Selected artists will receive $400 per completed adult-sized butterfly wing section (there are four wing sections per butterfly). Each wing section includes both front and back surfaces. The stipend is $200 per completed child-sized wing section.

Artists may be selected for two wing sections (half a butterfly), four wing sections (a full butterfly), or, in a rare case, eight wing sections (a full adult-sized butterfly and a full kid-sized butterfly), with typical stipends beginning at approximately $800 and increasing based on the number of wing sections assigned. Some supplies will be covered.

Final artist assignments and compensation will be determined following artist selection and project review. Two artists may request to collaborate on a butterfly.

Community-painted wings and collaborative wings may also be included as part of the project.

Artist Eligibility

Open to artists ages 18 and older.

Artists working in a variety of mediums are encouraged to apply, including:

• Painting

• Mixed Media, including adornment with metal, mosaic or whimsical items

• Sculpture/3D

• Graphic Design/Illustration

Artists must be able to complete work within the established project timeline.

We aim to assign some projects to artists residing in Johnson County, while also bringing in talented artists from across the nation or international artists.

Artwork Requirements

Artwork should:

• Be original work created by the applicant

• Be appropriate for public display and viewing by all ages

• Avoid political messaging, advertising, commercial promotion, or divisive subject matter

• Avoid copyrighted material not owned by the artist

• Be durable and suitable for outdoor display

• Reflect the positive and welcoming spirit of the IMAGO project

• Avoid anything created by AI

Artwork Themes

Artists are encouraged to interpret the IMAGO theme creatively. Artists can create designs of actual butterflies, interpretations of butterfly colors, or something not butterfly-related.

Possible themes may include:

• Transformation

• Nature

• Community

• Growth

• Indiana landscapes

• Local history

• Imagination

• Color and pattern

Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. Artist resume or biography

2. Five to ten images of previous work

3. Contact information

4. Concept sketch and/or theme statement

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a jury panel based on:

• Artistic quality

• Originality

• Public art potential

• Ability to complete work within the project timeline

• Diversity of artistic styles and perspectives

• Contribution to the overall IMAGO experience