Havre's traffic boxes to be transformed

Hi-Line artists are being asked to get involved in a downtown Havre beautification effort.

Drab traffic control boxes in downtown Havre would be turned into colorful depictions of scenic places and events around the Hi-Line

Havre Main Streets Revitalization - a community group dedicated to improving and enlivening downtown Havre and beyond - will host a contest in September to bring more public art to the city.

The group is announcing the first call for designs to decorate the traffic control boxes located through town. The goal is to use these boxes as canvasses to enhance Havre's visual surroundings.

Local artists have the opportunity to submit creative designs that capture the spirit of Havre and its surrounding area.

Entries will be evaluated anonymously by a jury. Finalists will be displayed during Havre Festival Days at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 20, where formal public input will be gathered.

Top selections will be converted to vinyl box covers and displayed on control boxes around town.

Guidelines include:

1. Themes might include but are not limited to local iconic landmarks, traditional events and activities, diversity in culture and nature, history and everyday life.

2. All styles and media are acceptable but must be easily transferrable to a high-quality digital image at 300 dpi.

3. Designs need to accommodate the three-dimensional nature of the utility boxes and need to be scalable for a front surface measuring 52 by 30 inches, back surface measuring 52 by 32 inches and two sides measuring 52 by 13 inches each.

4. There is a limit of 10 entries per artist.

Entries should be sent electronically to [email protected] or people can bring hard copies to the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce at 130 5th Ave. A name and telephone number should be included.

Questions can be directed to Debbie Vandeberg at [email protected] or 265-4383. Image examples can be obtained at the Chamber or viewed on the Chamber Facebook page.

Deadline for submission: Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m.