Jun 22

Jun 22 Traffic Art

Public Art Comes to Life in County Neighborhoods

What began as standard fare traffic boxes have been transformed into vibrant floral motifs that decorate the streets of four communities across Prince George’s.

The artistically enhanced traffic signal cabinets can be seen in Landover, Hillcrest Heights/Marlow Heights, Coral Hills/Suitland, and in Hyattsville.

“Each traffic box features art that is visually appealing, dynamic and exciting,” said Delegate Alonzo Washington (District 22) in a statement. “The art puts the community’s character and identity on display.”

The art project is a collaborative effort from the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, the Prince George’s County Executive’s Community Partnership Grant, and the Prince George’s Department of Public Works and Transportation. Collectively, these organizations viewed the installation of public art as means to combat blight, and give an upgrade to the visual landscape of communities under the county’s Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative.

In the boxes’ inaugural debut 11 traffic cabinets were fitted with vinyl art wraps, which in some cases masked the presence of graffiti and vandalism. Organizers said that 22 additional locations in Hyattsville have been chosen to receive art wrap upgrades.

Designs for the artwork were picked in March by a group of local arts and county professionals. Final selections were chosen through public voting online. Organizers said 2,445 local residents, school officials, community group members, and business owners made their favorites known. In the end, five designs by four artists were chosen for display: Harper Carter Matsuyama of Hyattsville, Michelle Puhl-Price of Gaithersburg, Erick Satchell of Waldorf, and Joel Traylor of Mount Rainier.

“This type of public art program sets a precedent in Maryland,” said Hyattsville CDC Executive Director Stuart Eisenberg. “With a recent statutory revision to the State Highway Administration’s procedures, we look forward to expanding this program with the support of local leaders and officials.”