Traffic Cabinet
Art Boxes
Main Street Marysville presents the 2025 Uptown Traffic Box Art Project with the City of Marysville!
We are seeking artwork to be utilized on a vinyl wrap on Uptown Marysville’s traffic control boxes.
This opportunity is open to artists of all levels!
Marysville was founded in 1816 by Samuel W. Cuthbertson. What began as a
small town with a couple churches and a few small stores exponentially grew
when manufacturing arrived. A bustling Uptown sprang up, and many of these
buildings still stand today including Houston Block, Union Block, and the Liggett Building.
Destinations such as the Avalon Theatre, Houston Block Studios, and Plumm Home
are current businesses that call historic buildings home. Arrayed around
the main intersection of 5th Street and Main Street, site of the former public square,
the historic architecture weaves a connection between then and now.
To this day, Marysville boasts a culture of innovation with major manufacturers such as
Honda, Scotts-Miracle Grow, and Nestle calling the city home. In Marysville, the adage
“Where the Grass is Greener” is not merely a phrase, but rather a statement that
boldly reflects the community’s aspirations.
Artists are encouraged to take inspiration from Marysville’s rich history for their artwork.
The theme of this art project is “If the Past was Present”.
Artists are encouraged to consider the historical context of Marysville,
most especially the historic buildings, and reimagine them.
Historical photographs are available for download to be used as
inspiration and/or in the artwork.
The final design must be submitted as a high-quality digital file. Initial submissions may have a resolution of 72 dpi, however artists should be aware that if their artwork is selected, they will be required to submit a 300 dpi digital file.
Selected applicants will be awarded $500 per traffic box design.
The selected artists will have the opportunity to include personal branding on the design such as an Instagram handle / website QR code if desired. The selected artists should expect to coordinate closely with the City of Marysville and the sign company consultant for high resolution art submission and any necessary final adjustments for placement.
The City of Marysville will be responsible for printing and installation of the vinyl wraps.
Artists are encouraged to design for a specific location; reference the map included below.
The provided historical photos have been organized per location for the artist to reference the images associated with each location.
Templates with approximate dimensions and existing traffic box images are included below the map for download so the artist is aware of any existing conditions on the traffic box, such as handles and vents.
Artwork should be submitted on the provided template page.
5th Street and Court Street - NW Corner
First Presbyterian Church
Former home on site of current Huntington Bank location .
1927 - A+P Grocery Store located at 125 W. 5th, Marysville, Ohio. Vernon Swink, manager on left and Edward Thompson, clerk on right.
First Presbyterian Church
5th Street and Court Street - SW Corner
Union County Jail beside the courthouse on W. 5th Street
Union County Jail beside the Courthouse on W. 5th Street. This would be directly across the street from the current Huntington Bank. This is prior to the front porch being added.
Union County Court Houses, Marysville, Ohio First Second Third (Destroyed 1883)
Union County Jail beside the courthouse on W. 5th Street
6th Street and Main Street - SW Corner
City Hall was located on the southwest corner of 6th and Main where the current Fire Station is now (2008).
South Main Street, East side in Marysville, Ohio Photo of the big snow February of 1910
Entrance to Haggard Building
City Hall was located on the southwest corner of 6th and Main where the current Fire Station is now (2008).
6th Street and Main Street - SE Corner
Marysville Journal Tribune Building where Partner's Park is now located. Corner of Main and Sixth Streets.
1892 Columbus Day Parade Looking West from the corner of south Plum & E. 6th Street. Wooden Buildings at right were Devines Blacksmith Shop
Corner of South Main and Sixth Streets Looking West Big snow of 1950 Marysville Hi-Speed Gas Station
Marysville Journal Tribune Building where Partner's Park is now located. Corner of Main and Sixth Streets.
5th Street and Walnut Street
The Green Gables Boarding house located at 302 E. 5th Street (demolished) Postmarked - August 12, 1948
John Auer Grocer (mural still visible on buidling today)
Service Station
The Green Gables Boarding house located at 302 E. 5th Street (demolished) Postmarked - August 12, 1948
5th Street and Plum Street
The first location of the Otte fine menswear clothing on East 5th street in Marysville, Ohio. Frank and William, started the first gentleman’s store and tailor shop in 1871.
East Fifth Street. You are looking at where Half-Pint in now located. The old Gates Brothers Glass would be where the building on the corner is located. The intersection is the corner of East Fifth Street and South Plum Streets. The Continental Hotel, present-day Elks Building, is the building behind the top of the electric pole.
Thorpe Motors & Wilcox Restaurant, 208-212 E. 5th Street, Marysville, Ohio, 1960s
The first location of the Otte fine menswear clothing on East 5th street in Marysville, Ohio. Frank and William, started the first gentleman’s store and tailor shop in 1871.
5th Street and Main Street
Postcard of the Marysville Public Square around the 1930's - 40's. Helen's (Braun) Beauty shop is on the second floor. Jamison's Drug Store below. Weiss's was located in the second building. It later expanded to the corner and bank Public Square looking toward south Main
Otte's Clothing Store - Oakland Hotel Fire of Jan. 17th 1975 - Marysville, O
W. 5th Street, Looking East, Marysville, Ohio
Postcard of the Marysville Public Square around the 1930's - 40's. Helen's (Braun) Beauty shop is on the second floor. Jamison's Drug Store below. Weiss's was located in the second building. It later expanded to the corner and bank Public Square looking toward south Main
4th Street and Main Street - SE Corner
Ohio National Guard First State Armory, Marysville, Ohio
Corner Main and Fourth Streets, Marysville, O Ohio - Union-Marysville - Building- residential - Office Written on back: Doc Hoopes office and home Postmark: August 28, 1909
The Standard Stamping Company Postmark: November 2, 1908
Ohio National Guard First State Armory, Marysville, Ohio
4th Street and Main Street - NW Corner
View of the west side of North Main Street from the east corner of 4th and Main The Gunderman building is the 3 story building, located at 123 North Main Street. Next to the right is the Philip Snider building which is 2 stories. It served as a hardware store and fix it shop. The small frame wooden building was the office of Dr. Angus B. Swisher (the Lamplighter building occupies the lot)
109-111 North Main - c 1950s
North Main Street
View of the west side of North Main Street from the east corner of 4th and Main The Gunderman building is the 3 story building, located at 123 North Main Street. Next to the right is the Philip Snider building which is 2 stories. It served as a hardware store and fix it shop. The small frame wooden building was the office of Dr. Angus B. Swisher (the Lamplighter building occupies the lot)