To: Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Maia Yates, Staff Liaison
Title
Wolfensberger Underpass and Traffic Signal Box Project Updates
Body
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Executive Summary
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the Commission with updates on the Wolfensberger Road Underpass Beautification Project and Downtown Traffic Signal Box Art Program. Both projects are advancing following the Commission’s review and direction. This information is provided for awareness, with no discussion or formal action scheduled.
Wolfensberger Road Underpass Beautification Project
This project will introduce artwork on Town-owned retaining walls near the Wolfensberger Road railroad underpass. The Commission allocated $70,000 for the artwork and supported a broad call allowing painted, dimensional, sculptural or combined treatments, subject to site constraints, engineering requirements and Town approval. The call also includes an optional median component with a separate scope and budget to support coordination with potential corridor improvements.
Commissioners provided thorough reviews and helpful comments on the draft call, strengthening the project description, submission requirements and guidance for artists in October. Staff incorporated the feedback and submitted the call to CaFÉ, an online platform used to advertise public art opportunities and receive artist submissions. Publication is anticipated shortly.
Once the call is live, staff will distribute the application link to commissioners, arts organizations and other outreach contacts to encourage participation. The Commission will review submissions through the selection process outlined in the call.
Downtown Traffic Signal Box Art Program
The program will transform five downtown traffic signal cabinets with printed vinyl wraps featuring artwork selected by the Commission. Each selected artist will receive $1,000, with the Town coordinating fabrication and installation.
At its October meeting, the Commission approved the following artwork placements:
• Summer Fox by Tessa Fuqua - Plum Creek Parkway and Wilcox Street, southeast corner
• Reflections by MJ Okawa - Third and Wilcox streets, northwest corner
• The Owl and the Pussycat by Jennifer Geiger - Fifth and Wilcox streets, southeast corner
• Hope in the Midst of Chaos by Courtney Einhorn - Sixth and Wilcox streets, northeast corner
• Lunar Sanctuaries #8100 by Laurie Freitag - Fifth and Perry streets, southeast corner
The Town Attorney’s Office is preparing the artist agreements and the vendor agreement for printing and installation. Staff also hosted the vinyl printing and installation vendor for a site review to complete cabinet measurements and assess installation conditions. This work will support development of cabinet-specific layouts that account for doors, vents, hardware and attached equipment.
Following completion of the agreements, staff will coordinate final artwork files, production proofs and installation scheduling with the artists and vendor. Installation remains targeted for the end of 2026, subject to completion of these steps, weather and cabinet access.
No formal Commission action is requested.