Artists excited to show off painted plows

GREEN BAY - Some very special Green Bay city plow trucks are ready to hit the streets. For the past month, people from the YWCA, ASPIRO, and the Cerebral Palsy Center have been hard at work painting the plows. Friday, the finished product went public.

When Doug Beard saw what he had helped create, he was overcome with joy.

“You can tell by the reaction on his face, that he is excited to be here,” said Danielle Strebel, an adult instructor at the Cerebral Palsy Center.

Doug and his fellow artists were on hand for a very special showing.

The Public Works Department set aside three big blades for the 2012 painted plow project.

“The plows were given a safety theme. They went and did what they felt safety related to paint on the plows and they just did a phenomenal job,” said Tony Fietzer, Public Works operations superintendent.

Teachers at the Cerebral Palsy Center used adaptive equipment. Brushes on broom sticks, and masking tape helped clients create these traffic signs.

“We also used hand over hand assistance with Doug. Put a paint brush in his hand and giving him assistance to paint the plow,” said Strebel.

ASPIRO’s design featured a penguin.

The YWCA showcased a hands-on approach with a message about bullying.

“To get the kids involved, to know that anti-bullying, bullying is not good and everyone needs to learn about it,” said Porchoua Lee, YWCA.

The canvas may not be perfect, but that's okay.

“I think they're very proud of the work that they came up with for today,” said Strebel.

“To see the pride that was involved with the organization, and the clients and staff is just phenomenal,” said Fietzer.

The plows will patrol the areas near where they were painted. So once the snow flies, the artists can see their creations in action. 

This is the second season for the plow painting project.    

The Public Works Department is already making plans for next year.