Search
Close this search box.
Happy Birthday to us! Try 6 months of unlimited local news for $2.

What’s the Deal With: Traffic and utility box art?

Deters vandalism, beautifies neighborhoods

"Coho Salmon
"Coho Salmon (Daniel Hornbuckle/Cascadia Daily News)
By Daniel Hornbuckle Staff Reporter

Walking in downtown Bellingham, you may notice artwork on transformer boxes in various areas. In 2018, the City of Bellingham announced a contest calling for local artists to create original artwork to be painted on select traffic boxes in the Arts and Downtown historic districts. 

The goal of the project was to promote a sense of community, as well as add beauty and identity to city streets. Prior to that, traffic boxes had attracted unwanted graffiti and vandalism, and had cost the city thousands of dollars in maintenance and cleanup.  

Art projects similar to these are becoming increasingly popular all over the U.S., as city tourism commissions and utility companies seek to brighten public spaces and deter defacement by transforming what were once drab green boxes into works of art. 

Along with the city, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) also collaborated with nine local artists to create ARTility, a program designed to beautify neighborhoods and discourage vandalism on their transformer boxes.   

PSE’s first facility to feature the artwork was the Encogen Generating Station on Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham. Local artist Gretchen Leggitt created the 21,600-square-foot mural depicting the North Cascades mountain range.

WTD runs on Wednesdays. Have a suggestion for a “What’s the Deal With?” inquiry? Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com

Latest stories

Annual report to Bellingham, Whatcom County leaders shows little trend in pollution levels
March 27, 2024 10:00 p.m.
Four new classrooms and early learning center will expand trades education at North Bellingham campus
March 27, 2024 10:00 p.m.
This week's meetings, hearings and opportunities for public input
March 27, 2024 10:00 p.m.

Have a news tip?

Email newstips@cascadiadaily.com or Call/Text 360-922-3092

Sign up for our free email newsletters

Preferences: