Waterbury Electrical Boxes Reimagined as Public Murals

Press release

Waterbury, CT - A new public art installation is underway in the city of Waterbury as part of a new initiative aimed at incorporating local history and culture into the city’s streetscape.

The Beyond the Brushstroke Box Beautification (B4) Project, was developed through the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Leadership Greater Waterbury Program by Rachel Lewis from Thomaston Savings Bank, Uwa Osagie from Ann’s Place, Lindsey Rosa from The Palace Theater, and Kimberly Wadman from Post University. They seek to transform electrical boxes into murals that showcase local artists, celebrate the city’s history and diversity, and foster community pride, engagement, and unity through public art.

The murals in the first wave of the initiative feature a variety of unique designs that reflect Waterbury’s cultural diversity, historical milestones, and future that were designed by local artists: Peyton Bopp, Katiana Jarbath Smith, Len Margiotta, and Valerie Ruby-Omen.

“This project is about more than making beautiful murals—it’s a way to display the city’s dynamic past, present, and future,” says Lindsey Rosa, one of the founding members of the B4 Project. “We want to use this as a tool of education and inspiration for anyone who lives, works, and plays here.”
The B4 Project has received support from several local businesses including: Hubbard Hall, Post University, Thomaston Savings Bank, & WORX. Additional materials and resources were contributed by Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot, The Palace Theater, and Schmidt’s & Serafine's.

This first phase of the project will be completed in June 2025 with future phases being completed by RiseUP for Arts. RiseUP for Arts is a project started by the non-profit, The RiseUP Group, to create public art that is inclusive and accessible for anyone.

For more information on the B4 Project, or to get involved, please visit the Facebook page Beyond the Brushstroke Box Beautification Project or contact Katiana Jarbath Smith at katiana@theriseupgroup.org.

About RiseUp for Arts: RiseUP for Arts is a project started by the non-profit, The RiseUP Group, in 2015 to create public art that is inclusive and accessible for anyone. They have completed over 250 mural and placemaking projects throughout Connecticut. RiseUP for Arts creates public art through donations, grants, and community goodwill.

About Leadership Greater Waterbury: Leadership Greater Waterbury (LGW) is a personal and career development program which creates lifelong partnerships and develops community awareness among future leaders in civic, professional and community organizations in the Greater Waterbury area. Its goal is to provide a creative, interactive environment for the participants to meet regional leaders and discuss the challenges that affect Greater Waterbury.