Stow plans 16 signal-box replacements; commission outlines call to artists and selection process

Speaker 4 briefed the commission that construction delays have shifted earlier phases and that this year the city will replace and wrap 16 signal (utility) boxes. "So that's been put off again. So we're replacing I think it's the original phase 3 is now being replaced… there’s 16 boxes that are gonna be replaced this year," Speaker 4 said.

Speaker 4 said the selection process is blind: artists submit digital files for a slideshow; a selection committee of three Arts Commission members, the mayor and Chris review entries and choose pieces matched to locations. The final artwork is produced as a large vinyl wrap by a vendor in Canton and then installed on the boxes. Commissioners clarified that the artwork is printed and installed as a vinyl wrap rather than painted directly on the boxes, which makes removal and replacement easier.

Vandalism and public reaction were recurring concerns: Speaker 4 recalled a prior installation that drew social-media attention after it inadvertently included an image of a professional athlete who later became the subject of an investigation, and the commission decided to replace that panel with other work to avoid controversy. Commissioners also discussed an adoption program to keep box surroundings clear and tidy.

Next steps: prepare the call to artists this month, finalize legal/wording review, run selection meetings with appointed volunteers, and schedule installations in coordination with utility replacements. No formal vote was recorded on these program details during the meeting.