Temecula Loves The Art-Wrapped Old Town Utility Boxes, Residents Weigh In On Art Project

TEMECULA, CA — Metal utility boxes in Old Town Temecula have been transformed with artist renderings in a drive-by, art-off-the-walls experience. It's an effort to beautify the public spaces and showcase "all things Temecula."

Across California, cities are finding ways to incorporate the arts. One unique method is transforming the unavoidable and drab metal utility boxes into three-dimensional works of art.

In Temecula, 20 utility boxes are now decorated with 24 original images featuring the work of local artists. Imagery runs the gamut from bright orange California poppies (the state flower) to hot air balloons, wine bottles, oak trees and local themes in between.

A map showing the art and locations along Mercedes Street and Old Town Front Street is available for download on the city website.

According to a city spokesperson, each painting was selected, with the theme "building greatness, maintaining excellence" in mind.

Each artist received a $400 stipend for the use of their work.

Mayor Pro Tem Zak Schwank, who serves on the Arts & Cultural Affairs Subcommittee, shared on the project.

"I am excited to see this creative idea come to life, expanding our vision for more Public Art in Temecula," Schwank said. "It's amazing to see the beauty, history and vibrancy of Temecula represented on what are plain yet necessary utility boxes. We hope to see more Public Art expand throughout our entire city."

The city chose works that "tell the story of Temecula's rich history."

There are realistic images of Old Town's main gate, the rolling hills of wine country, the Heritage Rose Garden, cowboys and the Merc. Other images give a nod to the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians and one was completed by Chámmakilawish Pechanga School students.

Artist Lisa Cabrera's painting "All Things Temecula" was selected and now sits at Old Town Front Street and Santiago Road. She spoke with Patch a bit about the process.

"The work is an homage to aspects of Temecula that have taken root (shown via the branched oak tree) and what it’s known for: wine from the grape vineyards, Old West history, hot air ballooning, golfing, rolling vistas, sunset views, and climates," Cabrera said of her work, a representation of those elements that now stands at the entry to Old Town.

Cabrera believes the outside gallery of wrapped utility boxes makes an attractive destination visit that involves its local art community.

"It’s a great way to tap into what the local creatives are already a part of, looking and studying," she said.

Temecula Residents Weigh In On Utility Box Art Project

In a recent Patch Neighborhood Post, residents both questioned and defended the artistic purpose of such a venture.

RL started the conversation on Patch Neighbor Posts, writing "What's with the hideous art in Old Town?"

The question incited nearly 20 replies from those in favor of the utility box project and others who either disliked or didn't understand the intention.

"What may be ugly or hideous to you may be beautiful to someone else," Julie Neighbor wrote. "Art come(s) in many different styles, forms, shapes and meaning. You know the saying... beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So keep your options to yourself or make your own art to display."

Others hadn't yet heard of the project.

"Do you have pictures to post?" Cyndi writes. "Old Town is turning into garbage with all the loud dive bars and drag shows!!!"

While the Patch Neighbor Post conversation took a sideways turn, from political to personal, Rachel C. Karno and Tracy Johnson both shared what they liked about the painted boxes.

"I think they are fun and colorful," Karno said. "I am an artist, I paint realistic stuff almost no one appreciates."

Another neighbor suggested that someone who might balk at the public art display show appreciation for the courage and creativity of others while more deeply examining their own reaction to artwork.

"Better questions, not for the community but for yourself could include: 'Why do I dislike this art? Why this strong reaction?" KMarie wrote. "Consider that other people might have a completely different experience seeing the art than you. And while it's normal to want to seek out others who have the same opinion, it can actually be much more valuable to understand how someone else can see it differently than you. Go deeper and open yourself to understanding. Also, remember that people made the art and that it takes a lot of courage to display that art and be vulnerable to criticism. Ask yourself how you would feel if someone said something you put time and effort into was 'hideous.'"

In all, far more chimed in to support the artist-wrapped utility boxes. Love them or not, KMarie encourages viewers to see it this way. "Art is subjective. Open your mind. It's easy to be a critic. Don't be a jerk."

Learn more about the Temecula Utility Box Art Project online at temeculaca.gov/UtilityBoxArt.