The Outside the Box Project was initiated in 2016 and utilizes art to combat graffiti. Traffic Boxes made up 70 percent of graffiti incidents. The cost of redesigning a traffic box is far less than the amount utilized to remove graffiti multiple times throughout the years. These public art projects not only help save city funds, but they also help build a sense of community ownership and support artists, many of whom are local residents.
Close to half of this project was funded by an SCFD grant awarded to the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO). The TASHCO Funds Balance paid for the remaining amount.
About this design: Garrett explains, "I was really excited to create pieces for this project, I decided to choose scenes from the earth, sky, and sea that would be a fun addition to the city environment. I really wanted them to be something that looked striking and beautiful for first time visitors driving by, but also contain small details and surprises for people that walk past them on their daily route. Whether its a burrowing owl or ant with a fruit loop under a tulip field, a surprised looking seal peaking out on top of arctic waters, or shapes inside the clouds in a sunset, I hope that people can find and enjoy something new each time they look at it. "