DeKalb community members are the artists for two public art programs returning for another year.
DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) is now accepting designs for this year’s utility box artwork and Paint-A-Plug programs.
For the utility box artwork, community members create digital designs for vinyl wraps which are installed on utility boxes to turn them into works of art.
For the first year of the program, utility box artwork was created by Rudy Galindo in Van Buer Plaza, Amanda Groff next to the Egyptian Theatre and Jennifer Ramczyk behind City Hall. Artist incentives were generously provided by DeKalb County Community Gardens.
CCEC Chair Brad Hoey said designs are now being accepted for three more downtown utility boxes.
“After a great response in 2022 to the City’s utility box art initiative, we’re excited to extend another invitation to local artists to showcase their talents and creativity through this latest community art project,” said Hoey.
An artist incentive of $150 is being provided for each of the three utility box designs that are selected by the City to be made into vinyl wraps. The incentives and cost of producing and installing the wraps is being covered by a T-Mobile Hometown Grant awarded to the CCEC for public art.
The guidelines for the program and more information on submitting a design are included with the utility box Call for Artists, which can be found at cityofdekalb.com/1474/Utility-Box-Artwork. Designs are due by September 12.
Also returning for another year is the Paint-A-Plug program in which community members create artwork by painting fire hydrants.
Last season, 11 Paint-A-Plugs were created. An artist incentive for each painted plug was generously provided by OC Creative.
“I wish to thank Brian Oster and OC Creative for their support the past several years in providing a catalyst for local artists to participate in DeKalb’s community art initiatives, particularly the Paint-A-Plug project.”
This year, $50 gift cards for the purchase of paint and supplies are being provided by Helen’s Hair Designs and Spa to the first four artists to have their Paint-A-Plug designs approved.
The application and more information on the Paint-A-Plug program can be found at cityofdekalb.com/paintaplug. Applications are accepted and approved on a rolling basis. Hydrants should be painted by November 1.
Artwork by Rudy Galindo is featured on a utility box in Van Buer Plaza.
A Huskie dreaming is the theme of artwork created by Amanda Groff for the utility box in Palmer Court next to the Egyptian Theatre.
Soccer is celebrated in artwork created by Jennifer Ramczyk for the utility box in the Vaughn Parking Lot behind DeKalb City Hall.