Residents name Sandpoint’s plows
Volunteers paint a face on "Clearapathra," one of five city of Sandpoint plow blades recently named by residents.
Photo courtesy ELLE SUSNIS
SANDPOINT — After city officials asked residents to submit names for five painted snowplows, the aliases have been announced.
Darth Blader, Hans Snowlow, Sleetwood Mac, Clearapathra and Scoop Dog were selected by Public Works Department staff from submissions collected at ballot boxes around Sandpoint in October.
Earlier this year, chair of the city’s Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Commission Elle Susnis brought forth the idea to paint and name Sandpoint’s snowplows. This spring, the plow blades were cleaned and primed before a group organized by local nonprofit art space Creations gave them unique faces with wide-mouthed expressions ranging from fierce to friendly to goofy.
“It was really fun — they had their team of kids and artisans come out to help the commission and volunteers in the community put this creative project together,” said Heather Upton, the city’s arts and historic preservation planner.
Paint for the project was donated by Sandpoint’s Miller Paint store, who Upton said has committed to donating paint and supplies to the Arts Commission for any community-driven project going forward.
“When you see them, hopefully you'll have a smile on your face,” said Upton, “We're so excited to continue to bring creative vitality everywhere in the most unusual places.”