Whimsical is in.

And it’s just beginning.

Things are changing downtown.

And Manteca is literally taking it to the streets.

The first of what could be at least six utilitarian traffic signal control boxes in shades of faded light green and dingy grey is now a kaleidoscope of colors depicting almond blossoms, a ‘57 Chevy, pumpkins, and even a giant pencil.

You can find it at “the corner” of Yosemite Avenue and Main Street where it joins the five veterans murals and the Crossroads 1918 mural as high profile public art.

Take a stroll into the 100 block of North Main Street and you’ll see hanging baskets of flowers from the turn-of-the-20th century style street light standards below banners extolling downtown.

“There’s more to come,” said Brandy Clark who oversees the City of Manteca community and recreation services.

It may include a whimsical “ruler” or “yardstick” marked in inches and feet along a yet-to-be painted utility box at the intersection designed as a TikTok photo op where patents can take pictures of their kids to mark their growth alongside that of downtown.

And “more to come” includes an array of other small touches designed to transform the central district into “hometown downtown” as well as a “big thing.”

That “big thing” is an entry arch spanning Main Street just 1.5 blocks south of the Yosemite/Main intersection.

Clark said it is all about beautification and working to instill community pride.

Roadways, as City of Manteca Streets Manager Aaron Jeffrey notes, can be drab.

“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback,” Jeffrey said in regards to both the utility box art endeavor and the hanging flower baskets.

Manteca is selecting additional community artists that will be compensated to transform utility boxes into pieces of art. The deadline to apply for considerations April 19. Details can be found further below in this story.

If the floral planters — that have artificial flowers coated with fade resistance chemicals — work out, more will join them on light standards throughout downtown.

Jeffrey — who has been working on all aspects of the city’s more than 300 center-lane miles of streets including sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and more for 27 years — noted the city has stepped up its game considerably in recent years when it comes to making downtown appealing and keeping it clean.

Those endeavors include:

*Contracting with Manteca Property Services to augment city crews to keep streets cleared of discarded — and deliberately dumped — trash.

*Power cleaning sidewalks and such at Library Park.

*The Downtown Business Association contracting to have public sidewalks power washes on a regular basis.

*Installing the oversized Adirondack chair and planters at Center and Sycamore streets.

More artists sought for

utility box art project

The city intends to have art work on all traffic signal utility boxes on Main Street from Moffat to Alameda.

Eventually, all 78 intersections with traffic signals in Manteca could be graced with art.

Clark said there is no set theme per se. Instead, they will rely on the designs artists submit with an in-house committee deciding what will be used.

The city has been working on the art box program for several years after securing a grant to help replace aging utility boxes throughout Manteca.

Selected artists will be paid $300 per utility box with a limit of three utility boxes per applicant.

The application deadline is April 19 for the initial round to provide artists with the opportunity to create vibrant, public artwork that celebrates Manteca’s history, culture, legacy, architecture, and diversity while beautifying the city starts with the application period opening on Monday, Feb. 9.

The artists will be paid for with funds from the city’s economic development account.

The program is open to professional and emerging artists.

Artists must be at least 16 years of age to participate. Youths will require parental permission.

Up to three submissions of art work are allowed per artist. It must be original art and suitable for viewing by those of all ages.

Artists will retain copyright to their work although the city will have the right to reproduce and display the artwork for public purposes.

Participants are responsible for providing all material to complete their artwork. The city will provide material specifications.

Once a design is selected, artists will receive 50 percent of the payment upfront and the balance when work is completed.

In addition, artists will maintain their artwork for two years. They may be consulted for necessary repairs or restoration work as needed.

The application form can be downloaded at manteca.gov or hard copies can be picked up at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane.