For years I have planned to add an ART OUTDOORS page for Utility Boxes as Public Art with growing resources about this special art form. The current post is a first step in finally committing to the plan.

Why are Utility Boxes Great Sites for Public Art? 1. When designed and painted, utility boxes add vibrancy, color and interest to standard streetscapes. 2. People can explore them closely from the sidewalk or from their transport (bikes, cars, buses) on the road. 3. Artists get to design and integrate four or five sides of the box.

Answers continued: 4. The boxes are reachable and easier to paint than large-scale wall murals, which may require scaffolds, cranes, and scaling processes. 5. Art outcomes spark appreciation of inventive, creative processes and perspectives. 6. Various projects expand the purposes and functions of utility boxes. Below are my photos with quotes and links (in red) to augment the answers and samples above.

URBAN WILDS by CHRISTOS HAMAWI Copley Square, Boston:

“This project was based on an original oil painting I created in 2007 also titled “Urban Wilds” and inspired by the wild grasses, weeds, and wildflowers that grow up through the asphalt in and around Boston.”  (quote from artist’s website Xtos Artwork/public art)

“Since its inception in 2008, PaintBox has drawn the attention of residents, business owners, and tourists. Every summer and fall, many are pleasantly surprised to see these bright new artworks pop up on their street corners.”  (quote from City of Boston Paintbox program)

POM POISON at Willow and Summer Streets in Somerville SWITCHBOX Project:

“The Switchbox Project brings the work of Somerville artists out of the studios and onto city streets.”…“A primary goal of the switchbox project is to bring public art to a broader community. The project also helps keep the boxes free of graffiti and vandalism. “ ( quote from SWITCHBOX, Somverville Arts Council)

“I am an indie comic creator and 2D artist residing in Boston, MA. My interests include a career path in sequential art, multimedia illustration, public art, fine art, and printmaking…..Pom Poison is the alias I work under out of personal preference.” ( quote from Pom Poison Artist site)

Utility Box by MOLLY SCANNELL in Arlington, Massachusetts Ave. Kickstand Cafe:

“4 Artists were selected locally to beautify the large transformer boxes around town, in Arlington, MA. Roughly 6ft tall, 4 ft wide & 3 ft deep. This was all hand done, including the geometric shapes which were much harder to get straight than I thought they would be!” ( quote from Molly Scannell Collaborations )

“These boxes keep our town ticking, holding traffic light controls, cable connections, electric transformers, and more. The Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture invites artists to submit original designs on a theme. The selected artists take it from there, making their vision come to life and transforming the dull metal boxes into inspiring pieces of art.” ( quote from Arts Arlington Programs/Utility Boxes)

“In Motion” by LAURIE BOGDAN and KAREN L. McCARTHY Massachusetts Ave., Arlington Center:

“The project appealed to ACAC as a relatively inexpensive and temporary way to improve the streetscape while engaging community members to appreciate the simplicity of accessible public art…. All past artists have reported that they enjoyed the experience of painting in public and talking to passersby as they worked.“(quote from Arts Arlington Programs/Utility Boxes)

Links for artists Laurie Bogdan and Karen L. McCarthy

Links for artists Pom Poison, Christos Hamawi, and Molly Scannell

Links for utility box art programs in Boston, Arlington and Somerville