Painted poles to make a comeback
Prior to Hurricane Charley, a favorite pastime among residents and visitors was traveling the roads of Pine Island to spot painted utility poles. During a campaign started by Andre’ Mule’ with the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce in 2002, local artists were called upon to paint utility poles along Pine Island and Stringfellow Roads depicting images of island life. As a result, more than 30 poles sprung to life.
Images of local wildlife, fish, flowers, reptiles, sunsets and vegetation could be seen throughout the island. Two poles even depict images of the ancient Calusa. Over time, many of the poles have begun to show the affects of weather and have faded beyond recognition, and as part of the recent LCEC upgrade on the island, many other poles have been removed and replaced with new poles.
According to Lisa Benton, chamber director, the concept of the painted poles was inspired by two factors.
“Andre’s thought that painting the poles would be a great way for local artists to showcase their talent and make the poles more attractive. Some were concerned that the poles would distract drivers and perhaps cause accidents, but we have found this has not been the case,” said Benton. “It is our intent to breath new life into the program so, we are offering an incentive to our area artists in the form of a contest.”
The Pole Painting Contest began earlier this month and the chamber is encouraging artists to submit artwork for consideration.
“This had been Andre’s baby, but now we have a committee comprised of chamber directors and business owners who will select from the entries, pass them along to LCEC for approval and then the artists can set to work on their poles,” said Benton. “The chamber will take care of priming the poles and will supply the primary paint colors. We are asking the artists to keep in mind that we will be looking for artwork with Pine Island themes such as fish, tropical fruits, birds and other native wildlife and vegetation.”
At this point the chamber volunteers have selected 20 additional poles on the island to be made available for the Pole Painting contest. To enter a submission for the contest, the chamber asks that a design for consideration be on an 8 X 11 sheet of paper and must be received no later than Friday, Dec. 5, to ensure that all the poles have been painted by Jan. 8.
“We also want to remind artists that the area they will be working with is 11 feet in height and 4 feet in diameter and there must not be any words or lettering in the design,” Benton said. “We also need a release from signed by each of the artists which releases the chamber and LCEC from any liability.”
A total of $1,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the contest. The cash prizes will be awarded to the top three designs with other prizes going to runners up. The judging will take place during the January Creative Coast Weekend which is scheduled to take place on Jan. 8-10 with a contest to determine the best designs.
“The contest will be similar to the Best of Pine Island contest that the Pine Island Eagle holds each year, so it will be the residents and visitors of the island who will determine the outcome,” Benton said. “It should be a lot of fun for everyone and we are looking forward to seeing the new designs that will transform our ugly utility poles into works of art.”
For more information or release forms, stop at the Chamber Welcome Center on Pine Island Road in Matlacha or call Lisa Benton at 283-4842.