Designs invited from local artists as Dublin’s Utility Box Art Project enters second phase

The City of Dublin Utility Box art project is now entering its second phase and if you’re a local artist then you have an opportunity to join in.

Applications to paint a utility box are open to professional artists and high school student artists working under the guidance of an art teacher or professional artist.

These mini murals form part of a larger initiative to make artistic and creative endeavor more visible in Dublin and surrounds while highlighting the excellent work of local artists and providing a free and readily accessible visual display for art lovers and enthusiasts.

City Council has approved eight City-owned traffic signal boxes to be painted in Spring 2018, with designs that reflect the City's brand, "The New American Backyard."

The locations for eight boxes are specified as:

Amador Valley Boulevard at Brighton Drive

Amador Valley Boulevard at Iron Horse Trail

Amador Valley Boulevard at Stagecoach Road

Dublin Boulevard at Hacienda Drive

Dublin Boulevard at Hibernia Drive

Dublin Boulevard at Toyota Drive

Dublin Boulevard at John Monego Court

Dublin Boulevard at Glynnis Rose Drive

The project was introduced in 2017 and the painted utility boxes have already captured the attention of passersby on the streets of Dublin.

Artists responsible for the initial collection of six colorful and engaging paintings completed in the first phase of the project are Lisa Long, Suzanne Gayle, John Osgood, Kimberley Overton and Kalani Ware.

The project provides an opportunity for artists to have the public engage with their artwork through the routine of a usual day while adding touches of creative flair in corners that would otherwise be solely functional.

Painted Utility Boxes from phase one of the project are located as follows:

• Village Parkway & Dublin Boulevard by Lisa Long
• Village Parkway & Brighton Drive by Suzanne Gayle
• Village Parkway & Tamarack Drive by Suzanne Gayle
• Village Parkway & Lewis Avenue by John Osgood
• Village Parkway & Davona Drive by Kimberly Overton
• Village Parkway & Amador Valley Boulevard by Kalani Ware

“We would love to receive more design proposals from local artists. We can’t wait to see how the New American Backyard in interpreted through the eyes of artists, especially those who are familiar with our community,” said City of Dublin Cultural Arts & Heritage Manager Tegan McLane.

Dublin’s brand, “The New American Backyard,” is the core theme for design proposals which should also incorporate the culture, history, and natural beauty of Dublin. Designs should reflect the character, diversity and activities popular to communities living in Dublin. The Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission will review and recommend designs to the Dublin City Council. The City Council is expected to award contracts to artists in January, with all eight boxes to be painted by June.

Those eligible can apply online at www.dublin.ca.gov/utilityboxart. All proposals must be received by Heritage and Cultural Arts Supervisor Laura Johnston by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.

For more information on the Utility Box Art Project, visit www.dublin.ca.gov/utilityboxart

By Vanessa Lee Thomas, Dublin Art Collective

Photo credit: City of Dublin