Barrier concrete provides canvas for local artists

By Elisha Meyer Port Orchard Independent • October 13, 2023 1:30 am
Elisha Meyer/Kitsap News Group Drivers waiting at those annoying red lights now have some fresh art to check out along Bay Street.
Elisha Meyer/Kitsap News Group Drivers waiting at those annoying red lights now have some fresh art to check out along Bay Street.

While drivers continue to endure long waits along downtown Bay Street as roundabout construction progresses, one business is using the opportunity to highlight local artistry.

Shane Wood, general manager of Port Orchard Ford, has recently utilized concrete barriers surrounding the car lot to prevent damage from oncoming traffic. It’s a look that he said is somewhat dull and could always use a little bit of brightening up.

“What I initially wanted to do is just give these (blocks) to the high school,” he said, citing the Whiskey Gulch painting done by a past senior class, “but there’s a lot of them. So I decided that an art contest would be the way to go.”

The contest calls for local artists to use the blocks as their next canvas. A first-place prize of $500 will be offered to the winner, but Wood said it’s about more than that.“I didn’t think it would initially do very well because some of these guys are legit artists, so they get paid to do work, and possibly not winning would be a waste of time. However, I think the idea of putting a mark on the neighborhood a little bit really appealed to a lot of them.”

Ty Upshaw was one of the locals looking to take on the challenge, saying he was glad to help add some life to Bay Street. “I don’t feel like enough people have seen my artwork,” he said, “and this is a great opportunity for me to show it off.”

“A little artist touch” is what Wood said can help spruce up the street that has caught the ire of drivers over the past few months. Slow construction on a new roundabout at the intersection of Bethel and Bay has led to lengthy delays on one of the city’s busiest streets.

Wood also said the construction is crippling local business, bringing him to the decision of the contest. “The biggest reason why we have this now is probably the traffic out there. I hope this does make some people happy, and I’m just looking forward to it being a buzz.”

He added, “I hope, after this is finished, that people will take some time to walk down here and enjoy what artists have contributed to this part of the city.”