Welcome to the main landing page for the Veterans Art Garden’s Call for Artists—a community-driven initiative to bring beauty, joy, and imagination to the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home in Sparks. This page contains information and resources artists need to submit a proposal, including downloadable forms, submission guidelines, FAQs, and contact details.
We’re grateful for your interest and look forward to seeing how your creativity can help transform this special space for our veterans, staff, and visitors. Our goal is to ensure a smooth, transparent application process for all participants.
Application Opens: August 1, 2025
Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025
Facility Location: Northern Nevada State Veterans Home — Sparks, NV
Overview
We’re reaching out to the art community to help us bring beauty, joy and imagination to veterans. The Veterans Art Garden at the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home is seeking visionary artists to contribute interactive, uplifting, and weather-resistant outdoor artworks that will enrich the lives of our veteran residents, their families and loved ones, and dedicated caregivers.
We invite professional artists with a passion for public art, memory-friendly design, and community engagement to submit a proposal.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking artwork that reflects the following:
Sculptures that uplift spirits, inviting interaction and outdoor exploration
ADA-compliant and sensory-friendly installations
Bright, playful designs made of durable materials
Non-political and non-memorial in nature
Art that honors and respects the U.S. veteran community
Submission Requirements
Each proposal must include:
Completed Artist Application Form
Artwork Description & Concept Statement
Material & Maintenance Plan
Artist Renderings or Architectural Drawings
Installation Plan & Budget Estimate
(Optional) Statement of veteran status, Nevada residency, or Nevada-themed inspiration
All submissions will be reviewed by a Veterans Art Garden Selection Subcommittee and require final approval by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS). Proof of Insurance and other considerations will be outlined as the application and approval process moves forward.
Application Portal
To make the submission process as accessible as possible, we’ve provided three versions of the Veterans Art Garden application form below. Please choose the version that works best for you:
Microsoft Word (.docx): Ideal for those who prefer to type directly into the form using Word or a compatible word processor.
Standard PDF: Recommended for applicants who may not have access to Word. This version can be printed and filled out by hand.
Fillable PDF: Designed for electronic completion. You can type directly into the fields and save your progress before submitting.
Important: The application form will ask you to verify that you have read and reviewed the Art Criteria document, which outlines important design requirements and considerations.
Once completed, application forms and related materials should be forwarded to:
Veterans Art Garden, Call for Artists
Northern Nevada State Veterans Home
Attn: Julie Dudley, State Home Liaison Officer
36 Battle Born Way
Sparks, NV 89431
Or via e-mail to dudleyj@veterans.nv.gov
If you have any questions or run into issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Julie Dudley at (775) 345-5615.
Application Form - Word Document
Application Form - Fillable PDF
Explore the Garden
Take a moment to watch our two short videos showcasing the Veterans Art Garden.
Aerial Flyover (6 minutes): This drone footage offers a broad look at the garden’s layout, flow, and atmosphere as it existed when filmed in mid‑June 2025.
Artwork Location Tour (2.5 minutes): This guided video highlights the numbered locations where interactive or sculptural art could be installed at the discretion of the steering team.
We encourage all applicants to view both videos—and reference the “Numbered Locations for Art Placements” document —to gain a comprehensive understanding of:
The spaces available for future art installations, along with proposed maximum dimensions (diameter and height) and other considerations
The vibe and character of the garden, including its natural elements and gathering areas
The aesthetic tone and visitor experience the steering team seeks to maintain and enhance
Or navigate through the still photos below. Let these visual guides spark your imagination as you develop a proposal that brings beauty, meaning, and engagement to this special outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section is designed to address questions from artists and supporters, providing additional guidance and information about the Veterans Art Garden project. If you have a question or concern, please submit it — we’ll do our best to respond promptly and thoroughly. Questions that may be helpful to others could be added here as a reference. We encourage you to check back often for new updates and information.
Q1: Is there a set budget for the Veterans Art Garden project?
A1: The Veterans Art Garden committee is currently in the fundraising-for-art phase, so a set budget has not yet been determined. As part of the selection process, incoming applications will be reviewed alongside available donations to decide what the project can support.
Q2: Are there specific requirements for lighting artwork in the Garden?
A2: Yes. Because the Veterans Art Garden is located near residents’ rooms and is open until 9 p.m., all sculptures requiring lighting must use solar-powered options. The feasibility and cost of providing solar-powered lighting at the artwork’s location will be considered during the review process.
Q3: Are bases, anchors, or foundational pieces provided for artwork?
A3: No. Artists are responsible for designing and providing any bases, anchors, or foundational components required for their piece. Proposals should include specific engineering requirements for installation, taking into account the artwork’s weight, height, and materials in accordance with standards for public display art.
Q4: Will signage to accompany the artwork be provided?
A4: Yes. It is the vision of the Veterans Art Garden committee to maintain consistent signage throughout the Garden. This includes uniformity in materials, descriptive content, artist credits, and weather resistance.
