Transforming Streetscapes, Celebrating Community
The PNA is excited to launch the “Artistic Signal Box” project, aiming to transform 11 signal boxes into dynamic 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. PhinneyWood, straddling these historic and vibrant neighborhoods, serves as the perfect backdrop for this project, reflecting the area’s commitment to blending art with community life.
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
Dual Opportunity: Showcase and Sell Your Art
In an exciting collaboration with the PhinneyWood Summer Arts Festival on June 22nd, 2025, participating artists will have a unique opportunity to not only showcase their work on a public platform, and receive a stipend of $1,000 but also to sell their original pieces. This initiative aligns perfectly with the festival, marking the official unveiling of the art on signal boxes, providing artists with a timely and vibrant backdrop to introduce their art to the community and potential buyers during this significant event.
A Call for Committee Members
We’re on the lookout for passionate and dedicated community members to join our committee and help us drive this project forward.
Volunteers for this project will embody crucial roles that bring the initiative to life, ranging from jurying, artist liaison, event assistance, fundraising, legal assistance, auction assistance, community engagement, and installation.
No prior experience is necessary—just a commitment to the community and a willingness to contribute your time and skills.
Frequently Asked 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.
- Auction Commission: In addition to the upfront stipend, artists will have the opportunity to earn from the sale of their original artwork during an online 24 hour auction held during the PhinneyWood Summer Arts Festival 2025. Each piece of artwork will start at a bidding price of $500. Artists will receive 50% of the 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
Nov 1, 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
May 1, 2025 – Design Finalization
Jun 25, 2025 – Installation Phase
Jun 22, 2025 – Unveiling of the Project!
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 online 24 hour auction held during the PhinneyWood Summer Arts Festival 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 Phinney Ridge neighborhood, embracing its spirit and values through durable and impactful vinyl art.
Selection Process
A committee of PNA members, art professionals, and community representatives will review applications. We are seeking proposals that are visually captivating, innovative and reflective of our community’s rich diversity and ethos.
How to Apply
Applications will open in November, 2024. In the meantime, please contact Terri Price at gro.r1712978250etnec1712978250yenni1712978250hp@pi1712978250rret1712978250 with additional questions.