Utility Cabinet Art Contest

Your art could go on a Metro utility cabinet!

Metro Water Recovery (Metro) is seeking artwork to display on a vinyl wrap for a utility cabinet in Denver at the National Western Center and CSU Spur campus.

Utility cabinets can degrade over time due to weather, wear and tear, and vandalism. Vinyl wraps can protect cabinets and reduce graffiti. Help us beautify Metro property and reduce the maintenance needed to keep our cabinets in tip-top shape by participating in our art contest! Your artwork can showcase your community’s character and Metro’s environmental stewardship.

Enter the contest!

Original 2D artwork can be submitted through September 13, 2026, by Colorado artists ages 16+. Submissions will be reviewed, finalists will be selected, and community members will have the opportunity to vote for a winner. The winner will receive $500. Once the final design is selected, Metro will coordinate the final piece with the vinyl wrap vendor.

Artwork Criteria

• Connects to Metro’s mission to protect the region’s health and environment by cleaning water and recovering resources. Learn more about Metro’s work on Metro’s website.

• Family-friendly with no logos, political or religious references.

• Space must be included for a QR code and Metro’s logo (clearly visible from ~10 feet away)

• Preference is for near full coverage, similar to a mural, which will minimize negative space.

About the cabinet

Location: Near 48th and Bettie Cram Dr. at the National Western Center and CSU Spur campus.

Size: 6’ wide by 6’ tall by 3’ deep

Community Highlights

The cabinet is located in Denver at the National Western Center and CSU Spur campus. The cabinet is along Bettie Cram Dr along the border of Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods. Here are some highlights about Metro’s partners and the surrounding communities:

• National Western Center

• A year-round urban hub for food and agricultural discovery and innovation, Western heritage and culture.
   

• CSU Spur

• A free, public learning destination that strives to connect urban and rural communities by bringing awareness and appreciation of the food system, water, and health.
   

• Globeville, Elyria-Swansea Neighborhoods

• In the late 1800s, the smelting and meatpacking industries thrived along the South Platte River. A strong industrial presence remains, as does an established and diverse residential community.

Selection Process

The art selection committee consisting of Metro employees and community partners will review all submissions and select a small group of 3 -5 finalists. Scoring will be based on the criteria outlined in the Artwork Criteria section above, along with overall aesthetic appeal. As this art will reside in the Globeville, Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, submissions from those living in this area will be given bonus points in the scoring process.

The top designs will be announced to the public, and anyone will have the opportunity to vote once for their favorite online.

Cabinet Schematic and Photos

Please view the linked site plan to review the schematic and photos as you design your artwork. Artwork will be displayed on the front, back, sides and top of the cabinet (note: please anticipate minor changes to your art to accommodate the wrapping process).

• Submit sketches, pictures, or images that portray the full-scale vision; the initial artwork submission does not necessarily have to be full size.

• Multiple submissions are welcome.

• Hand drawn or digital formats will be accepted.

• Digital artwork should be submitted as a .jpg file type. After the winning submission is determined, a vector file will be requested or developed in collaboration with the vendor, ideally designed at 100% scale at 72 dpi or better.

• Stock photos or AI generated images will not be accepted. All submissions must be original work.

• There are no limits to the number of colors you can use. Please limit negative space in the design.

• Text may be included in your design, provided it is minimal and supports the theme.

Who is eligible?

• All Colorado artists ages 16+

• For artists under 18, a parent/guardian must submit the artwork

• Metro highly encourages participation from neighbors closest to the project location.

Do I have to be a professional artist?

• No, artists at all levels are welcome to submit their artwork.

• You can collaborate with a team to help develop the artwork.