The city of Santa Maria chose four local artists—Matthew Betancourt, Edward Chavarria, Melissa Johnson-Barash, and Ruben Espinoza—to beautify traffic signal utility boxes along Main Street and Cook Street. The artists went to work on the weekend of April 15 and 16.
The artists were chosen by a panel of 13 judges to hand-paint murals with scenes representing the community on the boxes.
“The judges looked for art that was inspired by our community, surroundings, and amenities, and that would create a pleasing effect to those who see it,” said Dennis Smitherman, management analyst for the city’s Recreation and Parks Department in a press release.
It is the first of two box art projects developed by Santa Maria with the support of local sponsors such as the Santa Maria Arts Council, People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY), and Tri W Enterprises Inc.
The city is seeking artists for the second box art project, which will occur sometime in the late spring. Artists interested in applying are encouraged to regularly check the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department’s Facebook page for updates.
The painted boxes will be added to the city’s Public Art Map, viewable at cityofsantamaria.org. More info: 925-0951.
This article appears in Apr 27 – May 4, 2017.