(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston and the U.S Marshals Museum are seeking exceptional artists to paint a formal portrait of legendary Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. Upon completion, the portrait will be displayed in the Arkansas State Capitol where he will be the first African American, and the first non-Governor, to have a portrait in the Capitol building.

Born in Crawford County, Arkansas, in the 1840s, Bass Reeves is now one of the most widely-known deputy United States marshals of 1800s American Western lore. His colorful life story and career as a lawman have recently become the subject of several popular documentaries, films, and television shows. Secretary Thurston said, "We must not forget our history. I look forward to honoring this American legend with a special portrait in the Arkansas State Capitol." 

To facilitate this project, Secretary Thurston and the U.S. Marshals Museum are issuing a request for quotation (RFQ) to invite all qualified respondents to compete for the honor of creating this portrait to submit a response. Initial responses will be reviewed by the Museum, and a determination by the Museum in consultation with the Secretary will be made whether any of the
responses warrant further consideration. If a response meets with the approval of the committee, the respondent shall be invited to submit samples of their previous works alongside a written narrative outlining their experience and qualifications for this project. Once an artist has been chosen, the artist will then be presented to the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission for final approval.

The deadline for respondents is August 23, 2024.