Artist & Designer Opportunity
Designer of the Year Contest
The Trout Museum of Art is excited to announce an annual Designer of the Year contest! The winning artist will be commissioned to design a large-scale mural for the newly built Trout Museum of Art store, which is set to open in October 2025. This wall will serve as a centerpiece, attracting visitors and enriching their experience at the museum.
In addition to the wall design, the winner will create a suite of custom merchandise inspired by their artwork. This merchandise will be sold in the museum store, providing the designer with a platform to showcase their creativity to a wider audience. The designer will be recognized as the museum’s Designer of the Year for one year, further solidifying their presence in the art community. The winner will receive $2,000 in prize money and 20% of the profits from the sale of their merchandise.
Sponsor this Program!
Please reach out to fgilboa@troutmuseumart.org if interested in sponsorship of this program, which includes a full year of promotion.
GUIDELINES
Please read the guidelines carefully, linked below, for information on eligibility, the design project, and how to apply. Below, we also provide a Museum Store inspiration board as a resource. Note, the below images are not intended to stifle artistry, but to offer valuable insights into the museum’s aesthetic, especially as the new store is still under construction. We also encourage you to visit the current Trout Museum of Art Store at 111 W College Ave to gauge the type of product your art may surround.
For questions, contact: info@troutmuseumart.org.
TIMELINE
- Submission Deadline: Feb 28
- Winner Announcement: By March 10
- Mural and Merchandise Suite Creation:
- Meet TMA Team: March
- Artist work time with Museum Design Team Check-Ins: March 15 to Aug 1
- Merchandise Manufacturing: Between June 1 to Aug 15
- Artwork Installed: August 16 – Sept 3
- Public Launch Date: October 4
(Launched to new building and Gala celebration donors September 6) - Feature Duration: The artwork will be featured for one year (Fall to Fall).
STORE PHILOSOPHY
The Trout Museum of Art Store is a vibrant retail space designed to complement the museum’s mission to inspire and connect all people through creative experiences and the visual arts. The store is an extension of the museum experience, inviting visitors to linger and explore. The Trout Museum of Art Store aims to inspire creativity and provide a space for meaningful connections to art and design.
As part of the Designer of the Year Contest, the winning artist’s mural will enhance this experience, creating an inviting backdrop that draws visitors into the store and encourages them to explore our diverse range of offerings. The mural will also be viewable from the street, enhancing the walk along College Avenue in Downtown Appleton.
TROUT MUSEUM OF ART BRAND
NEW MUSEUM STORE | ARCHITECTURAL INSPIRATION & RENDERINGS
Architect Rendering from Main Entrance looking into the Museum Store.
Architect rendering featuring open shelving along College Ave. The winner's design will be viewable from College Ave and inside the Store, shown in the pink square on the left.
Architect rendering featuring the winner's design in pink.
Rendering Inspiration: Bright | Open Shelving | White with Bold Products
Store Architect Inspiration featuring a graphic wall
Store Architect Inspiration: Bright | Open Shelving | White with Bold Products
Rendering Inspiration: Bright | Open Shelving | White with Bold Products
EXAMPLE OF AN ARTIST DESIGN SUITE
