Novato seeks artists to paint more utility boxes

Novato is requesting applications for the next round of its utility box art program.

This is the second year of the program, which works with local artists to spruce up utility boxes in the downtown area with community-inspired creations.

Novato will accept applications for the 2025-2026 round until Feb. 22. The Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Advisory Commission will review submissions in February or March. The City Council will approve the selections, and the city aims to have the boxes completed by June.

The theme for this year’s program is “where stories grow.”

“The program will transform seven additional utility boxes throughout Novato into colorful canvases that showcase the ongoing stories of our community,” the city said in a statement about the program. “Through this collaborative effort between the City of Novato and local community organizations, we aim to expand public art throughout the city while creating meaningful artwork that captures where Novato’s stories continue to grow and flourish.”

Two of the utility boxes are at Redwood Boulevard and De Long Avenue. Two are at Redwood Boulevard and San Marin Drive. The others are at Redwood Boulevard and Lamont Avenue; Redwood Boulevard and Olive Avenue; and Novato Boulevard at Seventh Street.

“The purpose of this initiative is for artists to capture the essence of what makes Novato special — our natural environment, community traditions, and local heritage — and express these through artwork that showcases the ongoing narrative of our city,” the city’s statement said.

Professional and non-professional artists of any age can to apply. Applicants under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian’s signature on their application. Novato residents will be given priority.

The city will reimburse each artist up to $1,000 for project materials and the anti-graffiti coat applied to the artwork. The money comes from the city’s public art fund.

The Rotary Club of Novato will help prepare the boxes for paint. Pini Hardware in Novato will provide primer and materials.

Applications, project guidelines and additional details are online at shorturl.at/9Nwth.

The 2024-25 round of the program, centered on the theme “a vision for the present,” showcased the work of seven artists. The work decorated six utility boxes along Grant Avenue and one at De Long and Reichert avenues. The city unveiled the projects at a ceremony in May.