Call For Diné Artists

This project is sponsored by San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) in partnership with the San Juan National Forest.

Theme/Concept

SJMA is looking for a 2026-27 T-shirt design to represent and culturally interpret the San Juan National Forest’s mountain feature of Hesperus Peak (Dibé Ntsaa). This artwork will be used on SJMA shirts, hats and sticker designs. SJMA is a partner of the San Juan National Forest and has a mission to promote the ethical and informed uses of our public lands. As part of this effort SJMA would like to involve the different voices of our regional area. This call for Diné artists is to give voice to the National Forest Service’s native partners in sharing their ties to the land through their artwork. The proposal is to create a design to represent and culturally interpret the San Juan National Forest’s mountain feature of Hesperus Peak (Dibé Ntsaa). The purpose of this design is to bring awareness and appreciation to the lands and geographic features found within the San Juan National Forest.

Artist Deliverables

The artist’s interpretation/representation of Hesperus Peak in the artist’s preferred medium (e.g., painting, digital art, photography, graphic design) is permissible. However, the contractual requirements prioritize digital file readiness for institutional reproduction.

  • Digital Deliverables Mandate
    • The contract must require the submission of high-quality, professional files suitable for both small-scale printing and large-format interpretive signs:
    • Vector Files: For graphic, logo, or linework elements, vector formats (Adobe Illustrator, EPS, or high-resolution vector PDF) are required. Vector files allow for unlimited, lossless scaling, essential for high-quality interpretive panels (waysides) and large promotional posters (which often measure 20″ x 30″ ).
    • Raster Files: If the final work includes complex elements (e.g., painting, photography, mixed media), the submission must be provided as high-resolution JPEG or TIFF files, with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI at the largest intended print size.
    • File Submission Protocol: All photos or graphics must be submitted as separate, individual files (JPEG, AI, etc.). They must not be embedded within other documents (such as Microsoft Word or Adobe layout documents).

Usage Rights

By submitting a design the selected artist releases full rights to SJMA for their association to use the winning image for use not limited to the products that SJMA produces.

Compensation & Benefits

A one time payment of $1,500.00 will be made to the winning artist for their selected design.

Eligibility

Applicants must provide documentation confirming tribal enrollment or relational ties to their Diné family or relatives. The commissioned artist must explicitly confirm that the design avoids imagery restricted to ritual or ceremonial use (e.g., specific Holy People iconography or ephemeral sandpainting elements). The artwork should be clearly defined as a cultural representation that respects the mountains as spiritual anchors, using traditional colors and directional concepts, but not replicating ritual designs intended for permanent public display or commercial reproduction. This documentation of cultural permission is essential risk mitigation against future claims of cultural misappropriation. The commissioned imagery should consider promoting healing and recognition of Diné stewardship.

Timeline

Submission deadline is January 31, 2026. Selection of imagery will be announced by February 13th, 2026.
Submission Process: Submit files to J Burnite at jburnite@sjma.org with subject header “Hesperus Peak Art Submission“.