Reimagining PhinneyWood Signal Boxes

Transforming Streetscapes, Celebrating Community

The PNA is excited to launch the “Artistic Signal Box” project, aiming to transform 19 signal boxes into vibrant public art pieces. These boxes, located between the Zoo and Holman Road in the PhinneyWood area—a community born from the blend of Phinney Ridge and Greenwood—will showcase the area’s rich creativity and community spirit.

Apply Now (deadline Feb 1, 2025)

Prospectus

Project Goals

Support Local Artists: Provide a prominent platform for artists to showcase their talents and engage with the community.

Enhance Neighborhood Aesthetics: Convert functional infrastructure into compelling visual art that enhances our urban environment.

Foster Community Pride: Cultivate a stronger sense of identity and pride within our diverse community through shared cultural landmarks.

Promote Public Art: Highlight the transformative power of public art in creating vibrant, livable spaces.

Project Details for Artists

Theme: Wander PhinneyWood

The theme invites artists to create a visual narrative of connection and belonging by depicting the unique elements of PhinneyWood that resonate personally or with the community. Designs may include paths reflecting Greenwood Ave, Phinney Ave, and N 85th St, featuring landmarks, green spaces, and local flora and fauna, symbolizing the neighborhood’s continuity and connection. Inspired by the idea of a journey, artists can evoke movement and discovery. The objective is to craft a visual tapestry that tells the story of PhinneyWood, celebrating its unique spirit and fostering community engagement.

Finances:

Participating artists will receive a $1,000 stipend, and their original artwork will be available for purchase at an auction in June 2025, with artists earning 50% commission. The auction will mark the official unveiling of the signal box artwork, providing a vibrant platform for artists to showcase their work to the community and potential buyers.

Who We Are Looking For:

Emerging Artists: We encourage applications from emerging artists who are looking to gain exposure and experience in public art.
BIPOC Artists: We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in our community. Priority will be given to artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
Local Artists: Preference is given to Washington-based artists or those who have lived in the area in the past and have strong connections to it.

Apply Now

Prospectus

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Apply

Emerging Artists: We encourage applications from emerging artists who are looking to gain exposure and experience in public art.
BIPOC Artists: We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in our community. Priority will be given to artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
Local Artists: Preference is given to Washington-based artists or those who have lived in the area in the past and have strong connections to it.

We welcome applications from artists with disabilities and are committed to providing necessary assistance throughout the application and project process.

Selection Process: A committee of PNA members, art professionals, and community representatives will review the applications, looking for proposals that are visually captivating, innovative, and reflective of the community’s diversity and ethos.

How to Apply

Applications will open in December, 2024. In the meantime, please contact Terri Price at gro.r1733944311etnec1733944311yenni1733944311hp@pi1733944311rret1733944311 with additional questions.

Artist Stipend

This project not only offers visibility and a platform for artists but also provides financial incentives in two significant ways:

Upfront Artist Fee: Each selected artist will receive a stipend of $1,000, with 50% paid upon acceptance as an artist and the remaining 50% upon completion of the artwork.
Auction Commission: In addition to the upfront stipend, artists will have the opportunity to earn from the sale of their original artwork during an auction held in June 2025 (more details to follow). Each piece of artwork will start at a bidding price of $500. Artists will receive 50% of commission from the sale price of each piece auctioned. This offers a significant opportunity for artists to gain additional income from their work while participating in a large scale community-centric event.

These financial benefits are designed to support the artists’ creative journey and encourage participation in an event that seeks to enrich the community’s cultural offerings.

Project Timeline

Dec 15, 2024 – Artist Application’s Open

Feb 1, 2025 – Application Deadline

Mar 1, 2025 – Artist Selection

Mar 1-15, 2025 – Artist Connection with Committee

Apr 1, 2025 – Artist Check-In

April 15, 2025 – Design Finalization

May, 2025 – Installation Phase

June, 2025 – Unveiling of the Project!

Theme: Wander PhinneyWood

Concept: This theme invites artists to explore and depict the unique elements within PhinneyWood that resonate personally with them or the community, creating a visual narrative of connection and belonging.

Visuals: Design elements could include a path that mirrors the central thoroughfare of Greenwood Ave & Phinney Ave, extending to the branch on N 85th St, featuring key landmarks, green spaces, and community hotspots. Artists are encouraged to incorporate local flora and fauna, abstract representations of the area’s atmosphere, and unique views from the ridge. The artwork should symbolize the continuity and connection within PhinneyWood.

Artists may also find inspiration in the concept of a path—whether it’s a bike trail, river, road, or forest path—to subtly suggest movement through the neighborhood and a connection to other boxes. This idea of a journey not only ties together the physical spaces within PhinneyWood but also invites viewers to explore and discover the community in a deeper, more meaningful way.

As part of the interactive and playful nature of the event, we’re adding a scavenger hunt during the launch. Each design should include a hidden Pacific Northwest animal—one of the PNAnimals: Bear, Orca, Wolf, Otter, Crow, or Squirrel—within the artwork. This does not mean your design must be animal-focused; the inclusion can be subtle and playful, allowing children and families to enjoy discovering the hidden PNAnimals throughout the neighborhood.

Objective: To create a visual tapestry that highlights the personal and collective connections within PhinneyWood. This theme aims to tell the story of the community through individual elements that resonate with each artist and viewer, showcasing the unique spirit of PhinneyWood.

Why Vinyl Wraps?

In our commitment to both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the Artistic Signal Box project, we’ve chosen to apply the artwork using high-quality vinyl wraps for several key reasons:

Durability: Vinyl wraps are highly durable, resistant to weather conditions, and capable of preserving the vibrancy of the artwork for 5-10 years.
Maintenance and Repair: In the event of damage or wear, vinyl wraps offer the unique advantage of being easily replaceable.
Art Preservation: This method allows us to safeguard the integrity of the original artwork, making it possible to replicate or refresh designs without the need for the artist to redo the work from scratch.
Versatility in Design: Vinyl wrapping technology enables intricate and detailed designs to be applied seamlessly across the panels of the signal boxes, allowing for creative freedom and precision in artistic expression.
Sell Original Work: In addition to the upfront stipend, artists will have the opportunity to earn from the sale of their original artwork during an in June 2025. The original artwork will be displayed in the Phinney Center during this event.

Artwork Specifications

A few ground rules:
Refrain from incorporating specific references to companies, organizations, sports teams, various media, or any content that may necessitate permission or image rights.

Exclude any representations of frontal nudity.

Including specific individuals, such as politicians, activists, historical figures, or fictional characters in your design requires prior approval from the PNA.

Art specifications:
Final artwork dimensions will be given when accepted, but will be roughly 75″ w x 28″ h.

Submission Requirements

This project welcomes an open and competitive application process. Artists interested in participating should prepare the following:

Website/Social Links: Links to your digital portfolio or profiles showcasing your art.
Resume: Detailing your exhibition history, past projects, and experiences with community-driven initiatives, highlighting your capacity for collaborative art endeavors.
Portfolio of Work: A minimum of three examples of your previous work, with brief descriptions, to demonstrate your artistic skill and vision.
Statement of Interest: A narrative of your interest in this project, including your vision for the utility box designs and how you believe your art will enhance the PhinneyWood neighborhood, embracing its spirit and values through durable and impactful vinyl art.

Artwork Ownership and Usage Rights

Ownership of Artwork:
The original artwork will become the property of the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) following the auction, whether sold or purchased at the minimum bid.

Rights and Reproduction:
Artists retain copyright to their designs but grant the PNA the rights to reproduce the work for the project and for promotional purposes.