Plea for Beautified Traffic Control Boxes

In wake of creating the robot traffic control box, I’m continuing to obsess about those ugly metallic boxes spread about Washington, DC.  Here is my recent email to Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities along with his response:

Dear Mr. Thomas,

Recently, I gained some local notoriety for turning a traffic control box into a robot (https://theodorecarter.com/my-street-art-robot-makes-local-news/), a project I undertook because I was tired of seeing the hideous metal boxes sprinkled around the city’s green spaces.

I have come to learn that many cities have transformed these eyesores into fantastic works of public art using funding from local arts commissions.  Below are some links about such projects.

I would like to suggest that DC do the same, and if I can be of any help in making that happen, please let me know.

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Theodore Carter

 

Traffic Control Boxes in Somerset County to Become Canvases for Local Artists

Decorate Neighborhood Traffic Signal Control Boxes

On Traffic-Signal Boxes, Art That Stops Traffic

 

Mr. Carter:

I appreciate your support of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and take thank you for your recommendation.

Lionell

Lionell Thomas
Executive Director
D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities
200 I (Eye) Street, SE
Suite 1400
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-724-5613 (main)
202-724-2224 (direct)

About Carter

Theodore Carter is the author of Stealing The Scream, Frida Sex Dreams and Other Unnerving Disruptions, and The Life Story of a Chilean Sea Blob and Other Matters of Importance. His fiction has appeared in The North American Review, Pank, Necessary Fiction, and elsewhere. Carter’s street art projects have earned attention from The Washington Post, The Washington City Paper, several D.C. TV news stations, and other outlets. In 2019, he organized the Night of 1,000 Fridas, an event spanning 5 continents that brought over 1,000 images of Frida Kahlo out into public view on the same night. More at www.theodorecarter.com.

View all posts by Carter →

2 Comments on “Plea for Beautified Traffic Control Boxes”

  1. Why stop at DC? I think you should start a traffic box beautification company that outsources art across the country and raises awareness for local artists!!! Genius Idea if you asked me! I mean why not…they are just metal boxes, right?

  2. I agree, Jeff! Part of me wants to do exactly as you suggest. Another part of me thinks I should get focused and work on the next book. Oh the stifling limits of reality. Maybe Mr. Thomas will get cracking on this.

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