Wednesday, DECEMBER 10, 2025 |
Photo – Hobo Hot Pools – Courtesy Town of Saratoga
The Platte Valley Arts Council is inviting artists to design a history‑themed mural for Saratoga’s Hobo Hot Springs.
Governor Mark Gordon established the Wyoming Semi Quincentennial Planning Task Force to distribute grants for local organizations to fund their specific projects and initiatives related to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Platte Valley Arts Council applied for a grant to design and install of a metal relief sculpture or mural at Saratoga’s historic mineral hot springs. Arts Council President Stacy Crimmins explained that, to qualify, the project must incorporate a historical theme. Crimmins said her vision is for the Hobo Hot Springs piece to highlight the area’s unique past.
The Platte Valley Arts Council is seeking artists to design an eight‑by‑20‑foot relief sculpture for the wall separating the hot springs from the municipal pool. Council President Stacy Crimmins said heat and steam will trigger chemical reactions that naturally add color to the piece.
The Town of Saratoga recently signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the mural to be installed at the hot springs, with the Arts Council responsible for care and maintenance.
While the piece is often described as a mural, Crimmins said it will more closely resemble a flat sculpture, where layers of different metals will create a scene from local history.
Crimmins said the Arts Council is looking for local artists to design and create the mural. However, due to the technical nature of the piece, the Arts Council will accept submissions from across the country.
The Platte Valley Arts Council has allocated $25,000 for the Hobo Hot Springs mural project. If a standout design exceeds that amount, Crimmins said the Arts Council may raise the limit.
In addition to the mural, the Platte Valley Arts Council is collaborating with local historian Dick Perue to develop a history of the area for its website.
Artists are encouraged to visit www.plattevalleyarts.com and click on the “Call for Artist Proposals” link for details about the project. Design proposals are due by January 30th, with the public unveiling scheduled for the Fourth of July.
