Another Utility Box Turns into Art

Nanda and Marc Rust, pictured with City Manager Jay Ash (l), painted the utility box at Polonia Park through the Chelsea Painted Box Program. The program seeks to promote art and deter graffiti. For more information on how to paint a box visit www. chelseama.gov or contact the City Manager’s office.

Nanda and Marc Rust, pictured with City Manager Jay Ash (l),
painted the utility box at Polonia Park through the Chelsea Painted
Box Program. The program seeks to promote art and deter
graffiti. For more information on how to paint a box visit www.
chelseama.gov or contact the City Manager’s office.

Chelsea Painted Box, a program that allows artists to paint utility boxes throughout the city, is calling for more artists to participate.

Painted Box is part of the City’s effort to deter graffiti and promote art. The program is being administered by the Chelsea Cultural Council and City Manager Jay Ash.

“The boxes that have been painted look outstanding,” praised Ash. “Residents are always commenting on how more vibrant the areas with the painted utility boxes look. The boxes not only look great but they add another benefit by deterring graffiti. I hope more artist will participate in this wonderful program.”

Recently a box was painted by local artists Nanda and Marc Rust. The box, located at Polonia Playground by Beacon and Tremont Streets, was designed to look like an old time radio. It even features dial knobs for volume, tone and tuning.

“It took my husband and me about seven hours to complete the work on this box,” said Nanda. “My family and I are all artists – being involved in adding beauty to our wonderful city was our absolute pleasure”

This box was one of three that Nanda and Marc were approved to paint by the Chelsea Cultural Council. The Rusts are excited to paint the rest.

Residents of Chelsea are able to participate in the program through an application process. Applications are available both on the City’s website, www.chelseama.gov, and at City Hall. The application requires a proposed design for a box, as well as other necessary information.

The Cultural Council will evaluate the applications, select designs and assign boxes on a rolling admission. Those selected will receive a letter of acceptance which will include important details so that they can begin painting. Once a box is painted, the artist will be awarded a stipend of $200.00. Applications may be submitted year-round.

“I’ve heard from so many residents that the new painted box at Polonia Park has made the park that much better,” expressed City Council President Dan Cortell, who represents that area of the city on the City Council. “The residents really love this program and it’s easy to see why: what was once an ugly utility box which was occasionally tagged with graffiti has turned into a beautiful piece of art and a real talking piece for park-goers.”

“I hope we see many more utility boxes turn into works of art in the weeks and months to come,” concluded Cortell.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *