Longmont puts out shocking call to artists

Longmont’s Art in Public Places has put out a shocking call for local artists.

The deadline for this year’s Shock Art contest is rapidly approaching. Artists have until June 26 to submit their entry in the annual contest to decorate Longmont’s switchgear boxes.

Shock Art is a collaboration between Art in Public Places, or AIPP, and Longmont Power and Communications, to increase the amount of public art in town and liven up the otherwise dull green boxes, according to the AIPP website.

“There are over 50 boxes around Longmont,” said Angela Brill, AIPP coordinator. “We typically paint five to seven boxes each year, and the community will vote for the winners from the submissions.”

The voting will be held by online ballot, and there are plans for an in-person display and vote at Old Towne Marketplace at 323 Main Street, according to Brill, though the details haven’t been finalized.

Artists, either solo or in teams, are open to submit from anywhere in the country, though they must be able to attend an in-person orientation and be present to paint the boxes.

Applicants can fill out the submission form online, or in person when they deliver their model. The model should be roughly 11” long, 10” wide and 7.25” high to scale to the size of the shock boxes. The model needs to be delivered in person to either the Longmont Museum at 400 Quail Road or to the Creative District office inside the Downtown Development Authority at 320 Main Street.

Selected artists will be provided with a $2,000 stipend for design and materials. More information can be found at the AIPP website.

Update/Correction: AIPP has extended the deadline to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 26. The article has been updated to reflect the information.