Yelm Arts Commission taking applications for electrical box art wraps

The Yelm Arts Commission is accepting applications from artistic community members for artwork to be wrapped at several electrical boxes at various intersections throughout the city.

Heidi Haslinger, with the Yelm Arts Commission, told the Nisqually Valley News that applicants can apply between now and May 5 for the art wrap of two traffic light electrical boxes at state Route 507 and Clark Road Southeast (near Walt's Point S Tires) and at state Route 507 and Vancil Road Southeast (near Goodwill and RiteAid).

Artists who live within the greater Yelm area are invited to submit one or more images for consideration. They must meet Department of Transportation safety criteria, which states the art cannot be a distraction to drivers, out of context with the surroundings or be a topic or theme that could cause a negative public reaction.

Original artwork or digital images can be submitted online to Line Roy, Yelm's communications and recreation coordinator, at liner@yelmwa.gov. Applicants are asked to include their full name and phone number.

The selected artists will receive the honor of having their art displayed "prominently" in Yelm, along with recognition from the City of Yelm and a gift certificate from InGenius Art Gallery, which is locally owned and operated.

According to the Yelm Arts Commission, the artwork will be scaled to fit and wrap around the vertical surfaces of each electrical box. The final selection of the submitted artwork will be picked by the arts commission with approval from Yelm City Council to follow.

The Yelm Arts Commission was created and established in 2021 to elevate and support arts and innovation locally.