Paint the City

Paint the City Kickoff - March 24

Celebrate the start of painting with the City of Saratoga!

Paint the City Kickoff
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Saratoga City Hall, Civic Center Law
Corner of Fruitvale & Allendale
Free Parking in West Valley College Lot 4
Event Flyer & Map of Utility Box Locations

Meet the artists selected to paint utility boxes, preview the artwork, enjoy light refreshments, then head to the Saratoga Blossom Festival!

About Paint the City 

Saratoga artists age 10 years or older were invited to submit conceptual artwork by December 2, 2017 for 7 utility box locations throughout the City of Saratoga. Selected artists will receive a $400 or $500 stipend depending on box location.

The City received more than 50 stunning submittals. The Saratoga Public Art Committee narrowed the choices to 2 or 3 options for each of the locations.

Saratoga residents then voted on their favorite conceptual artwork for each of the 7 locations. Close to 700 residents participated in the online survey that closed February 7, 2018. Artwork that received the most votes was presented to the City Council on February 21, 2018 for final approval.Painting will begin on March 24, 2018, weather permitting, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2018.

Recommended Paint

Artists are responsible for providing all necessary supplies and tools, including paint and brushes. Paint should be premium 100% acrylic latex paint with low-sheen, eggshell or satin finish is recommended. Paint should be minimum 1.5 mil dry thickness per coat. A polyurethane top coat (marine grade) should be applied on top of the completed artwork. The City will coordinate the cleaning and priming of the utility boxes prior to the first day of painting. Following completion of the artwork murals, the City will seal the utility boxes with a UV-protective and anti-graffiti clear-coat.

Suggested Paint Products:
•Nova Color
•Sherwin Williams: Accolade Exterior Acrylic Latex, Satin
•Pratt and Lambert: Accolade Exterior Acrylic Latex, Eggshell
•Benjamin Moore: Aura Exterior Acrylic Latex #634 Low Luster
•Frazee #126 Mirror Glide Low Sheen Acrylic Latex
•Kelly Moore #1245 Acry-Shield Acrylic Latex Low Sheen

Suggested Top Coat:
•Vella 5% Fluoride Varnish