Ballard utility boxes get a makeover

The project to beautify utility boxes on Market Street is finally happening.

Organized by the the Ballard Alliance’s Public Art Committee (BPAC), the project was launched earlier this year with a contest to decide which local artists would be designing the five boxes.

The winning artists were Sarah Simon in first place — she will be designing three boxes between 17th and 20th. Stevie Shao won second place, and she will do the remaining two on 22nd and Ballard Ave.

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So pumped to see the first of my utility box designs for Ballard installed on the corner of Market St. and Ballard Ave! I was born at the Swedish down the street from here and grew up stomping around this neighborhood. Thanks to everyone who was involved in the public voting process and supported! Love Ballard and it means so much to me to be able to work on a public art project like this ❤️❤️🦑🎉

A post shared by Stevie Shao (@stepfrae) on Nov 5, 2019 at 1:15pm PST

The five boxes are at the following intersections:

• Market St & 17th
• Market St & Barnes
• Market St & 20th
• Market St & 22nd
• Market St & Ballard Ave

Kiana Ballo from Ballard Alliance told My Ballard that they asked the artists to consider each other’s color palettes and to include a unifying element in on each box. Ballo says the element is a surprise, and will be like “an easter egg on each box”.

While some SDOT permitting issues caused delays, the boxes should all be finished by mid-November.

Photo: One of the boxes designed by Stevie Shao. Courtesy Visit Ballard