Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP A crane operator eases into place one of numerous concrete barriers crews installed along Main Street on Monday, in preparation for the upcoming outdoor dining season. (Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP)

NASHUA – Because they’re made of solid concrete and collectively weigh who knows how many tons, the barriers that define outdoor-dining spaces for downtown eateries began sprouting up Monday despite the gale-force winds whipping up a frenzy across the region.

And pretty soon, perhaps as early as Tuesday, the barriers being put into place will become fresh canvases for team of artists, whose creations will turn the dreary, gray concrete into colorful works of art far more pleasing to the eye.

Crews began placing the barriers Monday morning in the area of Water Street, and worked their way south on Main Street toward East and West Pearl streets.

The artists are affiliated with Nashua’s Positive Street Art and Lynn, Massachusetts-based Beyond Walls.

Positive Street Art was co-founded nearly a decade ago by Manuel Ramirez and Cecilia Ulibarri, who over the years have been joined by several other artists specializing in urban street art.

Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP Members of the crew installing the outdoor-dining barriers on Main Street jostle two barriers into place in order to connect them together. They were setting the barriers along the sidewalk in front of 60 Main St., at the corner of Pearson Avenue. (Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP)

Beyond Walls, on its Website, describes itself as a diverse, “non-profit placemaking agency that uses a creative lens to address community needs.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.