Utility Boxes ~ A New Display of Public Art
Welcome to Sherman Oaks on the corner of Mulholland and Beverly Glen
“We were meant to explore this earth like children do, unhindered by fear, propelled by curiosity and a sense of discovery. Allow yourself to see the world through new eyes.” – Laurel Bleadon Maffei.
“The whole hillside with my bucket of paint rolling down” Muralist Laishan Ito’s story was a headline in a local newspaper @Coldwater Story. I was fascinated with mental pictures of a can of green paint rolling down the street and voila a new obsession was born.
Artist Laishan Ito who was painting this “Welcome to Sherman Oaks” mural on the Mullholland and Beverly Glen crossing when the aforementioned incident happened. Rest easy gentle folks, the hillside is no longer green, Ms. Ito invested the time and effort necessary to clean up the spillage while she finished up this and other murals around the Sherman Oaks area.
Even as I tracked down this artist’s designs in the Sherman Oaks, Studio City area I was hooked to the abundance and variety of visual art I was finding on these utility box canvases. These paintings are a way for cities and counties to invest money in beautifying their neighborhoods while sponsoring art and artists. Artists for the most part get paid $450 for the larger boxes and $350 for the smaller boxes and get free advertising. Thanks to my friend, Google I was able to find that this initiative is not localized to my neighborhood or even in California.
Not everyone however seems to be entirely happy about this “global” trend. I came across an article in a Texas Visual Art Magazine titled ~ “Please stop painting the electrical boxes”. This group seems to feel that the city governments can and should use their budgets differently to encourage artists. For me personally I am enjoying this visual feast for the senses with a growing portfolio of photos.
At the corner of Ventura Boulevard outside the super Ralphs. What a canvas for artists to display their vision and creativity. The city council does have final right of approval and some rules to keep these family friendly and graffiti proof.
The variety of the talent and concepts are varied, I always smile when I pass this one with its reminder of a favorite children’s fantasy illustration.
At the corner of Riverside and Van Nuys right by a Gas Station.
Ventura Boulevard from the corner of Laurel Canyon has an entertainment theme going as a nod to the many entertainment businesses that find a home here.
Certain neighborhoods have a theme going with boxes painted by the same or a variety of artists. Studio City/Valley Village has an Olympic theme going.
Given the themed nature of the utility boxes, it’s no surprise that downtown Los Angeles Chinatown would feature dragons.
And the beach city of Dana Point would feature beach and ship related themes.
Vibrant colors change the grey utility box but also add color to drab corners.
These paintings serve as outdoor studios reaching a wide audience, provide free advertising and a canvas for artists to express their artistic vision while receiving a modest payment for the work that they do.
A warm welcome to this public art gallery. I hope you enjoy these spots of color along your local drive as much as I have. I know there are people who believe that painting these is offensive to the civic authorities who picked grey for a reason but I for one am definitely enjoying the visual feast and the sense of surprise and wonder.