After posting about Sophy Tuttle’s memorial mural for the eagle named MK, I returned for better photos. Then, suddenly, I saw how close it was to the utility box Eileen de Rosas painted some years earlier. Both artworks feature graceful plants and purposeful birds. Both are great reminders of how artists can convey the vitalities of nature on utilitarian structures not conceived with art in mind.

So this post shares photos, notes, and quotes for two welcome examples of what public art can offer.

“Eileen de Rosas is a multidisciplinary artist based in Arlington, Massachusetts. Sculpture,  installation, and two-dimensional imagery form the base of her practice, including public art and community-focused projects. “(quote from Eileen de Rosas website, biography)

“The Town of Arlington continues its years’ long effort to transform some of the utility boxes that sit on our street corners and sidewalks into unique works of art. 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, Utility Boxes, Transforming Arlington Streets)

“The mural was commissioned as part of the Arlington Mural Project, a collaboration of Arts Arlington, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the Arlington Center for the Arts, and organized by ACAC public art curator Cecily Miller. Many thanks to Laura Kiessel and Save Arlington Wildlife for inspiration.“(quote Arts Arlington, Arlington Mural Project )

Related posts on ART OUTDOORS: Eileen de Rosas’ Art Brings Life to Brick in Arlington: https://artoutdoorsdl.com/2019/01/17/eileen-de-rosas-art-brings-life-to-brick-in-arlington/;Focus on Sophy Tuttle’s Memorial Mural for an Eagle Named MK: https://artoutdoorsdl.com/2024/10/30/focus-on-sophy-tuttles-memorial-mural-for-an-eagle-named-mk/

“Sophy Tuttle is an English-born American muralist, painter, and installation artist. Her work celebrates and promotes culture-building between humans and all other forms of life. Often vibrant and dynamic, these murals are a way to begin conversations within the community about our relationship with nature and the ways in which we both conflict and collaborate with our fellow creatures every day. “ (quote from About Sophy Tuttle )

KEY RESOURCES

Utility Boxes Program, Transforming Arlington Streets, https://artsarlington.org/programs/utility-boxes-2022/

Eileen de Rosas website: https://www.eileenderosas.com/

Arlington Mural Project, https://artsarlington.org/mural-project/

Sophy Tuttle Murals: https://sophytuttle.com/murals

(One block up on Massachusetts Avenue ( 397 Mass Ave) is another grand example of public art attuned to nature: Transformation Portal, mural by Lena Mac. View Lena Mac’s Murals as Portals and Connectors, earlier post on ART OUTDOORS )