To: Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Maia Yates, Staff Liaison
Title
Downtown Traffic Signal Box Artwork Selection
Body
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Executive Summary
The Public Art Commission is requested to review eligible submissions received through the Downtown Traffic Signal Box Art Call and select up to five original designs to advance for installation as vinyl wraps on traffic signal boxes in Downtown Castle Rock. Following selection, staff will coordinate artist agreements, final artwork files, technical adjustments, vinyl production and installation this fall.
Background
The Commission’s adopted Public Art Strategic Plan identifies beautification of public spaces as a thematic goal and specifically identifies Downtown traffic signal boxes as opportunities to transform functional infrastructure into artful displays.Earlier this year, the Commission reviewed and provided feedback on a call seeking original designs for traffic signal boxes at the following intersections:
• Wilcox Street and Plum Creek Parkway
• Wilcox Street and Third Street
• Wilcox Street and Fifth Street
• Wilcox Street and Sixth Street
• Perry Street and Fifth Street
Artists were invited to submit designs reflecting the spirit of Castle Rock through interpretations of the community’s identity, landscape, character, lifestyle or sense of place, including fun, imaginative or unexpected concepts. Proposed artwork must address all visible sides of the signal boxes and accommodate doors, vents, hardware and other functional elements.
In reviewing the submissions, commissioners should consider:
• Artistic quality, originality and visual impact
• Appropriateness for public display in Downtown Castle Rock
• Visibility and effectiveness from pedestrian and roadway perspectives
• Suitability for adaptation and installation as a vinyl wrap
• Ability to accommodate the functional elements of each signal box
• Variety and cohesion among the designs selected for the five locations
• Artist qualifications and ability to provide production-ready artwork
Selection of a proposal may be subject to final technical review and reasonable design adjustments necessary for vinyl production, installation, safety or signal-box operations. The Commission is not required to select a design for every location if the available proposals do not meet the project goals.
Budget Impact
The Public Art Commission allocated $15,000 from the Public Art Fund for the project in 2026. The budget includes up to $5,000 for artist stipends, based on $1,000 for each approved signal box design. Remaining funding will support vinyl production and installation. Final production and installation costs will be confirmed after the selected designs are prepared for fabrication.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Commission review the eligible submissions and select up to five designs to advance, subject to final technical review, execution of artist agreements and available project funding.
Proposed Motion
“I move to select the following designs for the Downtown Traffic Signal Box Art Project and authorize staff to proceed with artist agreements, final design coordination, vinyl production and installation, subject to technical review and available project funding: [identify selected artists and designs].”
Attachments
Attachment A - Downtown Traffic Signal Box Art Call
Attachment B - Site Photographs