Peoria to feature artwork of contest winners on utility boxes around city
Mar 8, 2021, 4:25 AM | Updated: 7:36 am
PHOENIX — Utility boxes on 10 street corners in Peoria will have a bit more color next month with the artwork of residents who won a city contest.
The city asked people of all ages to submit original artwork drawn or painted with crayons, colored pencils, paint or markers to be judged by a panel of professionals and the Peoria Arts Commission.
The artwork was judged based on whether it was eye-catching, represented Peoria’s unique qualities and if it could be effectively transferred to a three-dimensional box wrap for placement on utility boxes, according to a press release.
“Taking something as functional as a utility box and turning it into an expression of the unique character of our community immediately adds vibrant energy to the street,” Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat said in the release. “Peoria is home to incredibly talented artists and their contributions to this project cannot be understated.”
Below is a list of the winning artists.
- Kesmine Hickman
- Julie Larrson
- Robert Panzer
- Amanda Ratkovich
- Maddy Folk
- Sophie Gerald
- Andrew Gable
- Catherine Hoben
- Keith Rypkowski
- Giulia Guerrero
The program was expanded to ten winners this year following the success of a pilot program that started with four locations and artists, according to the release.
Winning artwork will be printed on vinyl wraps and installed on utility boxes in March to be ready for viewing in April.
“Our city leadership strongly supports the arts in our community and this competition created a path for residents to express themselves while enhancing our city streets,” Marylou Stephens, Peoria Arts and Events manager, said in the release.
“The winners created some beautiful pieces and we’re excited for residents to see them.”
