San Clemente Artists Called to Paint Utility Box Murals

The city and San Clemente Art Association are calling for local artist submissions to help beautify the streets of San Clemente with the city’s newest public art project titled “Street Art”.

Artists are invited to create and submit artwork depicting the city’s unique culture and history, in order to be considered for the program. Each chosen artist, or team of artists, will have their piece featured on one of the five selected traffic controller boxes throughout the city: Avenida Pico and Calle Amanecer, Pico at San Clemente High School, Pico and Los Molinos and Camino Real and El Portal.

The theme of the artwork can range from San Clemente’s unique beach culture to the specific locations of the utility boxes, adding to the life and color of the city. A sealing coat will also be painted over the artwork in order to prevent vandalism.

Amber Gregg, San Clemente Associate Planner, is hoping to have more art projects like this throughout the city after this pilot program runs successfully.

“We’re hoping that it will stay there as long as it can survive the elements,” she said.

Pam Hill, Gallery Chairman of the San Clemente Art Association, assisted in setting guidelines for artists to follow when submitting their proposals.

“It’s about originality and composition,” said Hill. “The goal of the project is to use the utility boxes as canvases for original pieces of art to contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the city.”

 Artists interested in participating in this program is encouraged to send in an application and up to three renderings of their proposed pieces no later than 5:00pm on February 29, 2012. Applications are available at www.San-Clemente.org/streetartinfo and should be submitted to Breanna Parrett at ParrettB@san-clemente.org.

Selected artists will receive a $500 honorarium for their original artwork, as well as a $200 voucher for art supplies used for the project.