Ashland arts group proposes hand-painted traffic-box murals at Main & Front ahead of Marathon Monday

Tara Bilotta of the Ashland Arts/Cultural Council presented the 'Traffic Box Project 2026' to the Town of Ashland Roadway Traffic Study Committee on March 24, proposing hand-painted murals for 13 utility (traffic) boxes, including a box at Main and Front to be completed in time for Marathon Monday.

Bilotta said the boxes would be hand painted rather than spray painted and finished with an anti-tagging coating to protect the artwork and the boxes' exterior. "They will be hand painted and not spray painted," she told the committee, adding that the finish is intended to prevent tagging without damaging the box or internal equipment.

The project team told the committee they will use protective coatings and cleanup methods intended to preserve designs while deterring graffiti. Chief Robie — whose department oversees maintenance of the boxes — and committee members Michael Duca, Dan Maurer, Doug Small and Kevin Langmeyer expressed satisfaction with the project's outline during the presentation.

Chair Joseph J. Magnani said he would follow up with Town Manager Michael D. Herbert and the Select Board to seek the necessary approvals; the presentation was forwarded to Town Manager Herbert. Meeting minutes show the total number of town-controlled boxes for the project is 13 and that none of the targeted boxes are on Pond Street, which remains under state jurisdiction.

Next steps: the chair will seek Select Board and town-manager review and approval, and the Arts/Cultural Council will coordinate details of materials and schedule with public-safety staff before any work begins.