Along the upper spine of Phinney and Greenwood Avenues, once grey, overlooked traffic signal boxes now brings bursts of color, culture, and imagination — each one telling a different story, thanks to the work of 18 local artists.
This summer, the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) unveiled a project to bring a splash of color to the neighborhood. This community-led initiative turned the stale signal boxes into permanent public art installations. From vibrant wildlife to abstract explorations of community and place, the boxes reflect the project’s theme: Wander PhinneyWood. The art is an invitation to slow down, look around, and discover what makes this community tick. The result is a gallery you walk through, not into.
What makes this project so special isn’t just the transformation of infrastructure, but the diversity of voices behind it. Each signal box was designed by a different local artist, representing a unique perspective, style, and connection to the neighborhood.
“PhinneyWood is one my favorite neighborhoods in Seattle,” said participating artist, Pierce Papke. “Having the opportunity to give back to the community through the signal box project is an honor because the neighborhood has given me so much.”
The idea started with Terri Price, the PNA’s Art Program Manager and Phinney resident who wanted to bring more color and vibrancy to the neighborhood streets.
“Art has a unique way of fostering connection and sparking conversation,” said Terri. “By transforming these signal boxes, we’re not only adding color to the neighborhood but also creating a shared experience that reflects the spirit of PhinneyWood.”
Terri assembled a diverse jury of community members, teaching artists, working artists, and arts programmers for a project committee to help shape the vision. Together, they reviewed more than 90 applications and faced the tough task of narrowing it down to just 18 artists. The committee prioritized emerging, local, and BIPOC artists to ensure a broad range of voices and perspectives. The final selections showcase a vibrant mix of mediums and styles, each reflecting the values and vision of the committee.
The team also developed the project’s theme, secured a Neighborhood Matching Fund grant to help pay each artist, planned a community launch event, and led many other efforts to bring the final product to life.
The signal boxes stretch from the Woodland Park Zoo to N 87th, and from 3rd Ave NW to Fremont along 85th NW St. Visit the Phinney Neighborhood Association website for an interactive map with locations for each signal box, a list of the artists and information about their designs, and a printable Signal Box Passport to serve as a free walking tour guide to each location.
So, the next time you find yourself in PhinneyWood, take some time to wander and check out the new art. There’s something waiting for you at nearly every corner—thanks to the hands, hearts, and imaginations of 18 local artists.
All Photos by Peter W. Allen – Copyright 2025
