Artists are invited to submit proposals for a public art project at the Santa Maria Transit Center. The final design will be digitally produced, printed on vinyl, and installed on aluminum panels on the exterior wall of the transit center, located at 400 Boone St.
“This project offers artists a unique opportunity to bring color, creativity, and local identity to one of our city’s busiest public spaces,” Dennis Smitherman, the recreation services manager, said in press materials. “We’re looking for designs that capture Santa Maria’s movement, diversity, and welcoming spirit.”
Submissions are open to artists living in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, but priority will be given to those who capture Santa Maria’s cultural diversity and heritage, according to the city. The winning design will be chosen based on the artist’s creativity and design experience and the project’s technical feasibility.
The city will give the winner a $2,500 stipend to help format and produce high-resolution files that are suitable for reproduction on a large scale.
To submit a proposal, compile an application form, artist statement, description, sketches, previous work samples, and a résumé into one PDF. Submissions should be emailed to dsmitherman@cityofsantamaria.org and are due Nov. 23. Call (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2263, with questions.
This article appears in Nov 13 – Nov 20, 2025.