Natick Wants To Calm Traffic With Art At Route 27, 135

NATICK, MA — Natick is seeking proposals from artists for a unique art installation that may help calm traffic at one of the town's busiest (and widest) intersections.

Natick is planning to paint the four corners of the Route 135 and Route 27 intersection, which planners hope will slow drivers making turns. The painted sections will also make the intersection slightly smaller, aiding pedestrians.

Last fall, Natick used a MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces grant to install white posts at the Route 135 and Route 27 intersection. The public art will go inside the spaces that were blocked off by the white posts.

The Natick Center Cultural District and the Public Art Committee are accepting submissions for six painting areas of varying sizes. Winning submissions will get a stipend to complete the project ranging from $1,000 to $1,700 per section.

"Projects may include street paintings and murals that are bold and bright in design while still being respectful of the place," the Natick Center Cultural District wrote Tuesday in a social media post.

The deadline to submit a proposal is Jan. 15. Find out more, including how to apply, on the Natick Center Cultural District website.