The City of Valparaiso’s Art Advisory Committee has expanded the City’s Utility Box Art program, adding 24 additional works created by local artists. “We’re fortunate to have so many talented artists in Valparaiso. This program allows us to elevate everyday utility boxes with original works, celebrating our local art and artisans,” said Mayor Jon Costas.
“I go down Valparaiso Street daily to bring my daughter to Montessori. She will love to see the honeycomb and bee that Momma painted,” said Jennifer Evan, one of the artists featured in the new installations. A request for entries was issued at the end of 2023 by the City’s Art Advisory Committee, with 19 local artists selected for utility box installations. In addition, the expansion will feature artwork from two Valparaiso Community Schools students and designs curated by the Porter County Museum and Valpo Parks Department. Costs for the wraps and installation are covered by the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission.
The Utility Box Art program was created by the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission in 2016 to promote public art and local artists. To date, the program has supported 12 locations, primarily in the downtown area. The expansion will feature boxes throughout the entire community.
The following artists will be featured on the new installations:
Nathan Biancardi
Rosa Cruglez
Sheila Diaz
Jennifer Evan
Christian Fillippo
Bella Flores
Dorothy Graden
Steve Johnson
Casey King
Alex Kozlowski
Laura Krentz
Lori Lockhart
Castulo Perez
Kirsten Renehan
Madeline Richardson
Ethan Scates
Katrina Shoemaker
Aaliyah Steele
Olivia Seastrand Ibanez
Joe Villani
Autumn Watson
To see designs and the selected location for each, along with more details about the City of Valparaiso Public Art projects, visit the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us.
Photo caption: Valparaiso Artist Dorothy Graden is pictured with her work, now displayed on the utility box located at Lincolnway and Roosevelt. The City of Valparaiso’s Art Advisory Committee will feature 24 new works on utility boxes citywide. To learn more and see the original works, visit the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us.