You can't help but notice as you drive through the Morgan Street Junction that something new has been added. The Traffic Signal Box on the northeast corner, just outside Westside Federal has been painted with a striking portrait of Seattle music legend Jimi Hendrix.
It's the work of West Seattle artist Graves Hansen who uses the nom de plume of Desmond Hansen for his work.
He said, "I’m just a freelance artist/muralist/canvas painter. I live in West Seattle and I aim to do many small and large murals all over the world. For now helping revamp areas that are sometimes very run down by adding new artwork. My Instagram info is @DesmondHansenArt "
The City of Seattle actually has a policy about programming public spaces with that covers parklets (tiny parks), sidewalk cafes, vending boxes, newsstands and much more including Traffic Signal Boxes like the one in Morgan Junction.
Their city website page states:
"Traffic signal boxes are located at every signalized intersection in Seattle. Adding art to signal boxes provides a way to showcase a neighborhood or business district’s identity and discourage graffiti. Signal boxes can be decorated with paint, decals, and vinyl wraps, as long as boxes remain accessible (i.e., keyholes exposed). Artists can be commissioned, photos added, or maps installed on the signal boxes. Artists are encouraged to create designs that contribute to the visual quality of streetscapes and create a unified aesthetic between signal boxes. SDOT must review all materials and designs and issue a Public Space permit before signal box artwork can be installed. Cabinet artwork should never cover or paint over keyholes, cores, or keyhole cover plates on any part of the cabinet to avoid these access points from being painted shut). A Public Space permit is required for signal box art with an associated renewal fee. Permittees are responsible for maintenance of the traffic signal box artwork.
More information on permitting signal box artwork can be found on the SDOT Street Use website and in Client Assistance Memo 2505."
