Shock Art
Shock Art Painting is Underway!
Ten local artists have been selected by the community to paint for the 2026 Shock Art program!
Shock Art painting is underway!
The City of Longmont Art in Public Places (AIPP) program is pleased to announce the selection of ten artists for the 2026 Shock Art program. More than 500 unique votes were cast during a month-long public voting process held from April 23 through May 18, 2026. Voting took place at Old Town Marketplace and the Longmont Civic Center.
The 2026 program included both an open theme and a commemorative theme, recognizing Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The call for artists specified that at least one commissioned design would commemorate these historic anniversaries. Of the ten selected designs, two were chosen from the anniversary theme.
The following artists and artist teams have been selected by the community for the 2026 Shock Art program:
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- Jon Fukuda: “Longmont Horizons”
- Kayla & Kevin Ghera: “Reflections in Colorado”
- Joyanna Rose Gittings: “Amor al Obrero”
- Stephanie Jordan: “Looking Up”
- Isis Ramirez: “The Centennial State”
- Travis Rueckert: “Peach Crate”
- Aleta Sherman: “Aspens”
- Kathy Sievering: “A Day Enjoying Nature Areas and Parks in Longmont, Colorado”
- Dustin Spencer: “The Cars we Like”
- Savanna Sulaiman: “Mosaic Symbols of Colorado”
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 annual program opens for artist submissions each 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 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 casts 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.
