Shock Art
Vote for Shock Art today through May 18!
In-person voting is underway!
Community voting for
Shock Art is underway!
Shock Art is a collaborative effort between Art in Public Places and Longmont Power & Communications, who owns and oversees the ‘pad mount switch’ equipment which houses the Shock Art Murals. Artist stipends are funded by 1% of City Capital Improvement Projects which funds the public art program within the City of Longmont.
We’re calling community to participate in the Shock Art vote! Up to ten unique designs will be selected to be commissioned for the 2026 program. Come vote for your favorites in-person:
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- April 23 – May 4 at Old Town Marketplace 332 Main Street Longmont, CO 80501
- May 5 – May 18 at City of Longmont Civic Center 350 Kimbark Street Longmont, CO 80501
2026 is a historic anniversary year for both our state of Colorado (150 years) and our country (250 years). Alongside our usual open theme, we will commission at least one design inspired by the historic anniversaries.
“Sesquisemiquincentennial” Theme – At least one box will commemorate:
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- Colorado’s 150th year of statehood and/or
- The 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence
Anyone needing accommodation for voting should, email the AIPP administrator.
*Artists were encouraged to apply under either theme but were permitted only a single design. All submissions should be suitable for shared civic spaces and must be considerate of the diverse community we serve.
About Shock Art
In partnership with Longmont Power & Communications, Longmont Art in Public Places (AIPP) commissions 7-10 artist/artist teams to visually transform selected dull electric boxes into dynamic works of art. Selected Artists or artist teams are provided a $2,000 stipend. Anticipated painting time will be late spring/early summer.
Artists/teams are responsible for:
- Executing their design as presented in the model,
- Attending training in advance,
- Labor / travel expenses, and
- All painting materials to paint the box (please note that spray paint is not permitted).
AIPP will be responsible for assigning locations and priming the boxes in advance of artist painting as well as organizing the advance training with LPC.
Art in Public Places will select electric boxes in various locations around the City of Longmont and selected artists and artist teams will be commissioned to complete the painting. City contract and program participation guidelines will apply to all selected artists – including confirmation of qualification and approval of final project.
Are you interested in applying to be a Shock Art artist? Submissions will reopen spring 2027.
Meantime, you can get started by following these steps:
- Create a hand-painted model 11”L x 10”W x 7.25”H
- Here is a video on how to construct a scale model
- You can use foamcore board, wood, recycled cardboard etc.
- The design needs to be uniquely your own, and hand painted (Note: aerosol paint is not permitted in for model, and electric box painting).
- Deliver your model to one of the drop off locations which will be announced in spring 2027.
Artists interested in future information about Shock Art or to be added to the mailing list for notification of call to artists, email the AIPP administrator.
History of Shock Art
Taking the lead of our successors to the North, the AIPP Commission opted in 2010 to allocate funds to enhancing the switchgear boxes throughout Longmont, in collaboration with Longmont Power & Communications.
AIPP invited local artists to submit their designs on scaled down boxes, and we invited the community to vote for their favorite, ultimately, selecting the winning designs. AIPP then commissions the artists to paint their design on pre-selected boxes. Be sure to visit each of the dozens boxes that have been painted around town! And, if you are an artist and would like to be added to our mailing list to be informed of upcoming opportunities, email the AIPP administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shock Art is a collaboration between Art in Public Places and Longmont Power & Communications that brings color and creativity to the (otherwise dull green) boxes. Selected artists are required to complete a city agreement, attend an in-person orientation and are awarded $2,000 for completed Shock Art boxes.
The 2026 program will open in the spring. Artists are asked to complete a submission form and deliver a 11”L x 10”W x 7.25”H hand painted scale model to one of the submission locations.
The AIPP Commission accepts submission for switchgear boxes all year long. At this time, we are only painting the square ones that are approximately 65″ square that you currently see around town. These are often NOT residential, but larger function boxes along main streets. If you’d like to inquire into a specific box, be sure to note the sticker number and location, and email the AIPP administrator.
Each year, AIPP puts out a call to artists, requesting artists’ designs on a small scaled model. The Longmont community cast their votes for their favorite. The Art in Public Places Commission has final say on the selected winners.
The project is open to all artists nationwide (and/or artist teams), regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental challenges. All participating artists must attend an in-person orientation prior to painting and are required to complete an agreement with the City of Longmont.
