KCCI and the City of Tallahassee transformed functional traffic control boxes into local works of art during KCCI’s 2nd annual Placemaking Week, Sept.19 – Oct. 1. The initiative is part of the “Art of the Box” pilot program, which engages people of all ages, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds by broadening their exposure to, and interest in, public art. Each traffic box is wrapped in a piece of art submitted by a local artist. Artists were selected through a free online application process that was open to all residents.
“The Art of the Box project enhances streetscapes and promotes a distinct sense of place,” said Mayor John Dailey. “In Tallahassee, we are committed to supporting local artists and making art accessible for everyone, and this project furthers these efforts.”
Locations, artwork titles and artists include:
-Intersection of E. College Avenue & Adams Street with “Infinite Possibilities” by Christopher Barnhart
-Intersection of W. Osceola & Wahnish Way with “Moving On” by Walter Thorner
-Intersection of Tharpe and Ocala with “Thin Red Line of Hope” by Mary Liz Tippin-Moody
-Intersection of Market Street and Timberlane Rd. with “Florida at Night” by Powell Kay Kreis
-Intersection of Buck Lake Rd. and Pedrick with “Southern Magnolias” by Nipa Eason
-By the bridge walkway at Anita Davis Preserve with “Harmony” by Perdita Ross
A map of the locations and additional information about the artists can be found at www.artofthebox.org. This project was led by KCCI and The City of Tallahassee with additional involvement from Fast Signs, COCA and Leon County.
“This initiative supports and provides added exposure to local artists and celebrates our value to the community,” said Mary Liz Tippin-Moody, one of the local artists whose work is featured on a traffic control box. “The Art of the Box initiative is an energizing and inclusive boost for this community’s practicing artists.”
As part of Placemaking Week, KCCI also announced that its 2021 Community Catalyst team will build upon the Art of the Box pilot program by developing a sustainable plan to enhance art in public spaces.
“The 2021 Community Catalyst project marks KCCI’s 13th year of shaping Tallahassee’s identity through placemaking endeavors, which help drive economic development, bring a wide variety of people together, and help retain talent,” said Betsy Couch, executive director of KCCI. “We want our next team of volunteer catalysts to continue the momentum created by Art of the Box pilot project, specifically by transforming utilitarian items into beautiful works of art.”
Anyone interested in volunteering as a Community Catalyst for the 2021 project can apply online at https://kccitallahassee.com/get-involved/become-a-catalyst/application/.
The application closes Friday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with KCCI on Art of the Box, an artsy way to beautify the city and support artists especially during COVID,” said Kathleen Spehar, executive director for the Council on Culture & Arts – COCA. “Utility boxes are like blank canvases, perfect to showcase artwork that beautifies the city and tells its visual story. COCA’s public art program offers over 250 artworks and two art walks at tallahasseearts.org, and with KCCI, we’ll continue to splash the city with art!”
