What's Happening in Natick, MA…

Proposals from artists are being sought by the town of Natick for an installation of art at one of the busiest and largest intersections in town.

To be called Traffic Calming Public Art (TCPA), the plan is to provide paintings at the corners of the intersection of Route 27 and Route 135. It is hoped that this will slow down drivers as they make turns. Paintings at the intersection will also make it somewhat smaller as an aid to pedestrians and will be placed inside the white posts that were installed last fall at the intersection as part of a Shared Streets and Spaces grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Towns often turn to banner printing to promote such projects to interested artists throughout town and neighboring communities.

The Public Art Committee and the Natick Center Cultural District will be accepting submissions for six different sizes of paintings. Materials to be used for artwork should be acrylic spray paint, markers, and mural paint. Those whose work is selected will receive a stipend ranging from $1,000 to $1,700. The work submitted should be paintings of streets and murals, and should be bold and bright while respectful of the town and the space.

Proposals for such artwork should include a goal statement, outline of a budget, and project description. Artists are able to submit up to three proposals, which are due by this Friday, January 15.