Ah, the signal light box — sturdy, critical, shiny even, but let’s face it, no eye candy.

Tacoma artist Rachael Dotson and the Public Arts Committee of the Auburn Arts recently decided even this utilitarian part of the urban environment should strut its stuff.

As part of Auburn’s recent Clean Sweep, a group of Dotson-led volunteers applied reflective vinyl patterns on metal boxes throughout the downtown core

“It’s about creating one more visual connection to identify the downtown area,” said Dotson, finishing up the last of the 12 signal light boxes at the intersection of F and 4th Streets. “It brings in art in an unexpected way, and it’s kind of a graffiti deterrent.”

Dotson is responsible for the design. The vinyl sports two tones and displays three to four different patterns repeated on all the boxes. Because the material is reflective, it changes colors from daytime to nighttime when headlights illuminate it.

Dotson said the feedback has been positive.

“Oh yeah, lots of comments from passerby, lots of postive feedback, people yelling, ‘It’s beautiful!’ I’ve done lots of projects in Auburn, and everybody has been great,” Dotson said.

The design review through the Public Art Committee of the Arts Commission wanted the design to complement the recent development in the downtown with a classic, yet distinctive appeal.

“Clean Sweep has become an annual favorite, and having a project that has a lasting visual product allowed the volunteers to continue to ‘see’ the work that they helped do,” said Majia McKnight, arts coordinator for the City of Auburn. “The vinyl application of a pattern on metal signal light boxes is an innovative and unique strategy to incorporate art into every day.”

An independent artist, Dotson contracted with the City of Auburn to perform the work. She has also completed murals for the City of Tacoma.