ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The vividly-painted traffic light utility boxes located in the South Wedge and at spots across the city aren’t the only bright spots planned.

Allison Roberts, who works on sprucing the city up with her art says the South Wedge Neighborhood Association, is encouraging local artists to share their talent with the community to brighten up the city.

“When it’s run down and it’s dirty, and there’s no art, I think it affects mood and I think it makes people not feel like they aren’t cared about," Roberts said. “Public art murals, electric boxes, that sort of work I’ve probably doing I want to say 15 to 20 years now.”

Roberts says one city canvas at a time, she wants to see the view of downtown Rochester change to make it more welcoming to the community.

“Not only does it liven up the space, by adding color and art, it elevates the space, it elevates the environment.”

Others are hearing the call, with Roberts saying there were more than 300 applications this year.