Artists Wanted In Wayland To Paint Pair Of Utility Boxes

WAYLAND, MA — The Wayland Cultural Council is expanding a public art campaign targeting drab utility boxes around town, and needs artists to submit ideas.

The council has permission to paint the utility boxes located at the intersections of Pemberton and West Plain, and Route 30 and Rice Road. Local artists interested in decorating the boxes can submit ideas now focused on the theme of peace in Wayland.

"Wayland is a community that encourages involvement and participation in all aspects of the town for the welfare of the community. Artwork should reflect a location or feeling of peace, the gathering of our community, and a celebration of what makes us human," according to the council.

The council will accept submissions through March 11, with work on the boxes expected to begin in mid-April. Here are the guidelines, according to the cultural council:

• The artwork included on the application must closely resemble the art to be painted on the box.
• Artists can submit more than one concept for the same location/utility box.
• $500 stipend for each project after completion.
• Boxes have locks, control panels and meters that must remain free from any art image.
• When painting the box, it should be done in a manner that no moisture gets inside the box through any cracks or vents. Vents should also not be covered and restrict airflow.
• Artwork containing a majority of dark colors will not be considered due to potential for overheating.
• Each box will contain a WCC logo sticker, placement to be determined between the WCC and artist.
• Images of selected artwork will be used in WCC publicity campaigns and marketing, with credit given to the artist.
• Proposed artwork cannot contain copyrighted or trademarked images, brand names, political/religious statements or work copied from another source.
• The artwork must be suitable for viewing by all ages and will be reviewed prior to selection.
• Paint to be used: Sherman Williams Outdoor latex paint.

To apply, send your name, address, telephone number, email address and submission (in color) to the Wayland Cultural Committee at [email protected]. Artists who have painted utility boxes or created other public works can include samples. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Last year, the cultural council accepted proposals from artists to pain the utility boxes at the intersection of Old Connecticut Path and Cochituate Road; 264 Old Connecticut Path at the Wayland High School entrance; and at the intersection of Cochituate Road and Route 30