By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

In January, the city of Goodyear invited Arizona-based artists to participate in a public project aimed at decorating traffic signal control cabinets throughout the city. On March 11, the Goodyear Arts and Culture Commission is set to approve the submitted art.

This initiative gave local artists the opportunity to transform functional infrastructure into colorful visual displays visible to both drivers and pedestrians. The finalized artwork will either be hand-painted directly on the cabinets or applied as vinyl wraps.

The Goodyear Arts and Culture Division manages the city’s public art program, which aims to engage the community and enhance the city’s cultural landscape.

“The arts pull all of us together, that’s what (this) is all about,” said Dalton Attig, Goodyear recreation programmer.

Arts and Culture Coordinator Layne Ruiz said, “One of my favorite projects is the traffic cabinet public art project. It’s so fun to work with our west valley artists on this project. It creates a sense of community, it beautifies our city.

Each cabinet measures approximately 78 inches tall, 44 inches wide, and 28 inches deep, with artwork covering three sides and the top. The cabinets are located at street corners.

Artists submitted projects exploring themes reflecting Goodyear’s values, history, and environment. Suggested themes include community, education, innovation, family, history, transportation, environment and growth.

The project aims to enhance the city’s streetscape while fostering a connection between the artwork and the community.

 Artists will receive $2,000 for design, materials, and time for hand-painted cabinets. Payments will be made in two installments, $500 upon concept approval and $1,500 upon completion and final approval of the artwork.

Artists are set to receive $1,200 for vinyl-wrapped cabinets with payments split into $500 upon concept approval and $700 upon submission of the final digital file.

Vinyl wraps are scheduled for installation in April 2025, while hand-painted murals are expected to be completed by late March 2025.

Visit goodyearaz.gov or attend the Arts and Culture  Commission meeting 5:30 p.m. at the Georgia T Lord's Library Community Room for more information or to submit an application.