Hearts of Danville

Overview

The Town of Danville is inviting artists who reside in one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area Counties to create unique artistic designs to paint/apply onto a 17" x 6" fiberglass heart sculpture that will be displayed in downtown Danville storefronts. This project is intended to instill an understanding and appreciation of public art within the community. The Town of Danville will retain ownership of the heart and design, including reproduction rights and maintenance. All uses will be credited to the artist.

Key dates

• June 30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. — Call opens
• August 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m. — Submission deadline
• August 18, 2026 — Final designs selected
• August 21, 2026 — Notification of 16 finalists
• Week of August 31 – Sept. 4, 2026 — Pick up heart sculptures
• Week of November 2-6, 2026 — Return completed sculptures
• January 23, 2027 — Opening reception
• January 25 - March 26, 2027 — Exhibition in downtown storefronts
• March 26, 2027 — Closing reception and silent auction

Eligibility

This project is open to artists who reside in one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area Counties. Design must reflect imagery appropriate for all audiences.

Design requirements

Designs must be original and created directly by the artist. Each design should cover the entire heart: front, sides, and base. The hearts are 17 inches in height and 6 inches wide. Artists may submit up to two (2) unique designs per application. Submissions must include heart sketches showing three angles: front, back, and base.

Materials & preparation

Each fiberglass heart will come prepared with an acrylic urethane primer suitable for most types of paint (except latex and specialized paint systems). Artists are welcome to apply another primer if desired (water-based Kilz recommended). For mosaic applications, artists must scuff sand the primer off prior to application. Artists must provide their own painting supplies.

Artist responsibilities

• Arrange to pick up and return the heart to Village Theatre and Art Gallery, 233 Front Street, Danville, CA
• Provide own painting supplies
• Submit design changes as a new design specification for approval; no changes permitted after initial application

Compensation

The Town of Danville will compensate each selected artist $250.00 upon completion of the project, following submission of an invoice and completed W-9 form.

Selection & criteria

An Art Selection Committee will select sixteen (16) finalists. Selection criteria include originality of design concept, vibrancy of color choices, and appropriateness for all audiences. The Town reserves the right to require design changes to ensure appropriateness.

How to submit

Proposals must be submitted through the CaFE Call For Entry Website (https://www.callforentry.org/) no later than 5:00 p.m. (PST) on August 16, 2026. Submissions must include heart sketches showing three angles (front, back, base) uploaded as JPEGs. Each artist may submit up to two unique designs.

Contact

Beth Fergadiotis, Cultural Arts Administrative Assistant — bfergadiotis@danville.ca.gov or 925-314-3478. Stacey Kenison, Cultural Arts Supervisor — skension@danville.ca.gov or 925-314-3426.