Art boxes add colour to traffic lights

Waiting at the lights has never been more interesting in the Surf Coast Shire, with the completion of a series of artworks on several traffic signal boxes in Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea and Winchelsea.

Students from Surf Coast Secondary College and Lorne P-12 College worked with VicRoads and the Surf Coast Shire on the “Art Box” project, using a $2,000 grant from the shire.

Art Academy students from Surf Coast Secondary College brought the project to life in Torquay, including at the intersection of Merrijig Drive/Beacon Boulevard and the Surf Coast Highway.

“They asked us to think of things that reminded you of Torquay, and Jan Juc, and then to draw it all down,” Maya Gibb said.

“Once you had an idea, it was pretty easy from then on.”

“We went with animals originally and we decided to find animals that are specific and native to Torquay,” Morgan Smith added.

The students first took part in a series of workshops to improve their digital imaging skills, including using Adobe Illustrator, before designing the Art Boxes.

The wildlife and marine life featured in each design combines layers of imagery with a selected colour to create a vibrant, eye-catching image.

Each box also features a different letter on its side panel, spelling out the word “SURF COAST”.

Both Maya and Morgan were impressed by the final result.

“It turned out great, really,” Morgan said. Art boxes can also be found at:

• Surf Coast Highway and Darian Road/Grossmans Road
• Surf City Precinct pedestrian crossing on the Surf Coast Highway
• Great Ocean Road and Diggers Way/RACV Torquay Resort
• Great Ocean Road and Hoylake Road, Jan Juc
• Great Ocean Road and Duffields Road, Jan Juc
• Anglesea town centre pedestrian crossing, Great Ocean Road

The Lorne P-12 College students have created Art Boxes along the Princes Highway near the Winchelsea town centre and Deans Marsh Road.