Paint This Box! is a downtown project aimed at inviting artists to create unique and imaginative paintings on the utility boxes in downtown Northampton to continue the momentum of turning Northampton into a public art community. Paint This Box! is a public art project funded by local businesses, organizations, and residents. The winning artists will be paid a stipend of $350 each.
“Paint This Box! is a great opportunity to bring more public art into downtown Northampton and for artists and the greater Northampton community to connect,” said Northampton Arts Council Director, Brian Foote. “We want Paint This Box! to showcase the many talented artists in our community and celebrate our city.”
Foote along with Jonathan Goldman, the lead on BenchWalk Project, are organizing Paint This Box!. Paint This Box! was awarded a Local Cultural Council Grant awarded by the Northampton Arts Council as well as donations from other local organizations.
Artists can submit proposals for Paint This Box! until the May 21 DEADLINE. The final four selected artists will be determined by Director Brian Foote, Northampton Arts Council Board Member Joseph Pesce, and A. P. E. Associate Director Lisa Thompson.
The four utility boxes that will be painted as part of Paint This Box! are located at the intersections of Bridge Street/Hawley Street/Market Street (59x44x27.25 inches), Main Street/Pleasant Street/King Street (55x38x27.25 inches), Main Street/State Street/New South Street (50x30x18.25 inches), and Main Street/Elm Street/West Street (50x30x18.25 inches). Artists will be using an oil-based, weather resistant, outdoor paint for the utility boxes.
Paint This Box! was inspired by local artist Peter Zierlein. In addition, following the success of BenchWalk in 2015 and the recent renovations of Pulaski Park, Goldman and Foote were interested in continuing to grow Northampton as a public art community. “Not only are we thrilled to bring terrific public art to Northampton, but this is also an opportunity to continue building onto the recent initiatives to enhance the downtown experience,” said Goldman. “In addition, this will help move our city towards future art projects, which will continue to beautify our community.”
For artists interested in submitting a proposal and people interested in donating, please visit http://www.entrythingy.com/www.northamptonartscouncil.org or email hamppublicart@gmail.com.
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| Designed, prepped, and painted by Peter Zierlein |
Paint This Box! is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and City of Northampton.
