The City of Martinez is inviting residents to help transform several utility boxes into public art as part of the city’s Sesquicentennial celebration.
City officials recently announced the launch of the Sesquicentennial Utility Box Art Project, a beautification effort that will convert five utility boxes around Martinez into colorful artworks reflecting the community’s culture, history and civic pride.
The project is designed as a community-centered initiative, with artwork created by local residents and ultimately selected through a public voting process. The designs are intended to reflect the celebration’s theme — “Past, Present, Future, Together” — highlighting the people, places and stories that make Martinez unique.
City leaders said the installations are meant to add new artistic landmarks throughout the community while celebrating the city’s 150-year history.
The city is currently accepting submissions from artists of all ages who wish to participate in the project. Application guidelines and details are available through the city’s Call for Artists and Application materials. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2026.
After the submission period closes, the public will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed designs that will ultimately be displayed on the utility boxes across the city.
Questions about the program can be directed to Management Analyst Kerry Rivers at (925) 372-3563 or by email through the City of Martinez.
The ones in Concord look great so it would be great to follow suit.
In 1976, I was living in Dublin and the city painted the fire hydrants to
look like the Minutemen of the Revolutionary War, and celebrated the
US Bicentennial with a parade and fireworks. Unlike the sniveling Dems
of today, most Americans were proud of our country and of our history
and culture.
Amen, Dawg!
In 1976, I was in Mare Island. We, like all US warships that year, were flying the “Don’t Tread on Me” jack.