Drab Whidbey Telecom utility boxes will soon transcend into popping spots of color and design with a new Langley public art project.

The city council approved the Langley Arts Commission proposal to wrap two utility boxes in vinyl art. The commission pegged the idea as a way to disguise bland fixtures, incorporate art into neighborhoods and offer a “distinct palette of experiences for residents and guests.”

Other cities across the country have used the technique to disguise many sidewalk structures, such as bus stops and traffic light utility boxes.

“Arts wraps are currently trending nationwide as an accessible, cost effective way for cities of all sizes to beautify, deter damage and graffiti and create a sense of place for neighborhoods,” arts commission member Ann Johnson told the city council during a presentation.

Similar to what’s done to advertise on cars and buses, a huge photo or graphic would be blown up on sticky vinyl and wrapped around the boxes.

Whidbey Telecom is supportive of the idea and has agreed to have a representative on the wraparound art selection committee, Johnson said.

Estimated costs are $1,700 for a large-sized utility box and $1,200 for a medium-sized box. The arts commission’ fundraising arm, Langley Public Arts Consortium, would seek funds to cover costs.

The project has to be listed as a line-item for next year’s Langley Arts Commission budget even if grants or private funds are procured.

The first utility box chosen to be wrapped by next spring is at the Second Street plaza entrance to Langley Village. Boxes in front of the Post Office or The Firehouse are being considered for the second location.

Two artists are usually involved. One artist provides an original piece of work, such as photography, paint or charcoal work and a graphic designer transfers an electronic copy of the art onto vinyl.

The vinyl is weatherproof, holds up for five to seven years and can be easily removed. Johnson showed photographs of similar wraparound box projects in Tacoma, Olympia, Bremerton and Sequim.

“It’s cost effective and brings beautiful spaces and beautiful moments,” she said. “You can put any kind of art on that box.”