Fourth round of Santa Maria's artistic utility box upgrades starts Saturday | Local News | santamariatimes.com

Selected local artists will begin to transform 15 utility boxes along Broadway, from Preisker Lane to Carmen Lane, into colorful works of art this weekend.

On Monday, the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department announced the launch of the 2024 Utility Art Box Project. The initiative, which will start Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, will bring vibrant, hand-painted art installations to the community’s streetscape.

"Public art brings life and color to our community," said Dennis Smitherman, recreation services manager. "It not only beautifies our city but also reflects the unique culture and spirit of Santa Maria. Projects like this help foster pride and a sense of belonging among our residents."

This marks the fourth round of utility boxes to receive the artistic upgrades in Santa Maria.

The talented artists, chosen by the Public Art Committee through a community-based selection process, will contribute to a growing collection of public art in the city by creating a lively streetscape that deters graffiti and enhances the visual appeal of Santa Maria’s public spaces.

Each artist will add their personal vision to an assigned utility box, transforming it into a unique, hand-painted piece that celebrates the city’s character. Upon completion, the artwork will be coated with UV and anti-graffiti protection to preserve its beauty for years to come.

To explore previous utility art box projects and to view an interactive map of Santa Maria’s public art collection, visit www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/box-art-project and www.cityofsantamaria.org/art.

According to the Recreation and Parks Department, the project is made possible by local businesses and foundations, including Tri W Enterprises, McMogul, Inc., PLAY, Inc., Ian M. Hasset Foundation, BMLA, Santa Maria Arts Council, and the Santa Maria Tourism Marketing District.

Jason Anderson is the Digital Producer for the Santa Maria Times. He can be reached at 805-739-2213

For the first time in over 25 years, CARB is taking aim at emissions from 2-3 wheeled vehicles.

Selected local artists will begin to transform 15 utility boxes along Broadway, from Preisker Lane to Carmen Lane, into colorful works of art this weekend.