Electric Botany involved local artists painting traffic signal boxes across Launceston, using the works of late Australian botanical illustrator Margaret Stones as inspiration.

Each of the artworks is unique - from realistic works to abstract pieces, some painted in situ, others wrapped in artworks prefabricated by local secondary schools.

More than 50 decorated signal boxes are part of the project, from the CBD to Invermay Road, the West Tamar Highway and Prospect.

A public art trail was also created, with maps available at the Launceston Visitor Information Centre and online to guide people along, and profile the artists involved.

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Kings Meadows High School Year 10 students Ashtyn Peters and Grace Richardson said they had a lot of fun taking part in the project, and were loving getting to see their artwork displayed across the city.

"I found it really exciting, it's not every day that your teacher comes up to you and says you'll be drawing things to go on power boxes, it's a really good opportunity," Ms Peters said.

"It's exciting to look at the box and say yeah, I was a part of that and I did that, it can be scary because a lot of people can see the art and judge it, but I don't think that's going to worry me."

"It was really exciting and really fun, and it was a great way to express myself through art," Ms Richardson added.

"First we started off with watercolour art techniques and going through that with our art teachers and demonstrating in our books, and then we did it in a hard copy.

"It's a really great opportunity and experience."

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he was delighted that Electric Botany was a contender in the Best Street Art Trail category.

"The project has involved a range of talented Tasmanian artists and six local schools, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and many more," he said.

"A lot of hard work and thought has gone into this from our staff and the community, and to see now that it's been recognised shows you that street art is something that is important right around Australia, and to have us as a city to be recognised on a national scale is so important.

"I know from the feedback I've received from members of the public that these works have brightened a lot of people's days and given people a new appreciation for the artistic talent we have here in Northern Tasmania."

Launceston Deputy Mayor Danny Gibson said there was a growing appetite in Launceston for public art projects.

"It's been exciting to see this project grow from the idea stage to being realised on Launceston's streets," Cr Gibson said.

"It's a credit to the artists involved and whether the project ultimately takes out an award or not, Electric Botany has been a winner in the eyes of the community.

"More than simply bringing smiles to people's faces, public art projects have real benefits for contemporary cities.

"They can build community networks, create pathways for artists, enhance liveability and create new opportunities in destination tourism."

The awards are due to be presented in Queensland on March 2.

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