What sets Renton’s blossoming downtown and city streets apart from other cities are the lively local businesses, the peeking rooftop dragon, Erasmus, and the colorful, creative fire hydrants dotted throughout the sidewalks — and soon there will be even more.

The Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the South Renton Neighborhood Association are currently seeking artists to create new designs to paint on the fire hydrants throughout South Renton.

While the opportunity is free and open to all artists, preference will be given to local Renton artists since the program is intended to embrace local talent and “incorporate the character and history of the surrounding environment and neighborhood.”

The first hydrant to launch the project back in 2019 was “Engineer George,” painted by Renton resident Sybil McIntyre, to commemorate Renton’s railway past. Other painted hydrants include an homage to “The Wizard of Oz,” Sasquatch and an alien abduction of a cow, which was painted by the project’s youngest artist, Brianna R.

“Its been a delight,” said Jessie Kotarski, economic development manager for the City of Renton. “The artists all love the program and its been a learning experience for them.”

The hydrants that have been painted can be viewed virtually — through the VisitRenton app which offers a self-guided tour and through a story map that allows art fans to find the various hydrants and learn about their designs.

However, there is a hidden “Where’s Waldo?” hydrant that can’t be found on the online maps or mobile app. If chosen, artists will receive $400 to cover the costs of material, supplies and design fees for one hydrant.

There is no timeline for applications as reviews will be made as they are received and will remain open until all designs are selected.

Prohibited hydrant designs include: inappropriate words, advertisements, political messages, glued or attached objects and camouflage or designs that significantly reduce hydrant visibility. Artists are also asked to avoid using dark colors or too much white as they reduce hydrant visibility.

Artists must include a concept design and portfolio examples with their application, which can be found at rentonwa.gov/hydrants.

Inquiries can be made to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission at 1055 South Grady Way on the sixth floor, by phone at 425-430-7271 or by email at arts@rentonwa.gov.