Local Artists Transform UH Utility Boxes into Public Art
University Heights has received a vibrant overhaul of the once drab utility boxes. Through the efforts of the UHCA Beautification Team and in collaboration with talented local artists, over 50 utility boxes throughout UH have been transformed into colorful pieces of street art. We were incredibly lucky to have had an overwhelming response to this beautification initiative. The artworks ranged from nature inspired, to whimsical colorful creations, to culturally significant works of art.
One such box (26) of cultural significance is at the corner of Park Blvd. and Lincoln Ave., and it features Lucha Libre! The artist is @richiecreates, a Mexican artist raised in National City. He’s been making art in all sorts of mediums since he was a kid. His inspiration for this box comes from a rooted childhood memory of Lucha Libre superheroes. His father first took him to Tijuana to see them when he was five and he even got an autograph. He’s so happy to share this rich culture of Mexico with UH.
Another is a gorgeous set of boxes (25) that welcome you to UH, at the corner of Park Blvd. and Meade Ave., in front of the Birney Joint Use Field. The incredibly talented @shirishtheartist created these beauties. Her art is also featured at numerous other public spaces, such as Chicano Park, Secret Stairs, and Chula Vista’s 3rd Avenue. “Creating art allows me to visualize the collective vulnerability of my emotions through blends of color. I incorporate natural elements and surreal qualities in my work, inspired by art as a form of therapy and motivated by the idea that colors and imagery can influence people’s mindsets. I have discovered that art is a powerful tool for lifting spirits during low moments, so I create whimsical creatures with happy faces to foster positivity,” she says.
Mia Yi painted the sweetest little box (09) in front of Dreamboat Diner. Mia is 14 years old, and enjoys working with many mediums including colored pencils, paint, markers, even crochet! She even has an Etsy shop that sells patterns called “Momos Mementoes.” This box was originally covered in stickers and graffiti, and we are so thankful that she transformed it into a beautiful story of UH history that includes a scene from Mission Cliff Gardens, along with animals like quail and ostriches and a trolley. While working on the box, she tried an orange latte at Dreamboat, which inspired her to add a rabbit with a cup of coffee!
Speaking of a well-deserved thank you, this effort wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the Beautification Team leader, Daniel Llamas. He spent every weekend cleaning, prepping and priming boxes for the artists. He would also drop off and pick up shade canopies, so that they could stay comfortable while painting. He and the artists received praise from neighbors walking by offering their thanks, as well as water and snacks as a show of appreciation. There was just one grouchy business owner near Texas and Meade that made him pack up and leave, so I’d say that ratio means that this has been a resounding success!
We encourage you to look at all of the boxes online at our ArcGIS StoryMap www.uhsd.org/boxmap or even better, join us on our Walk of Art on Saturday September 6. We will meet at Trolley Barn Park at 8am and finish up at Mystic Mocha Cafe for an iced coffee and to meet the artists! Can’t make the walking tour? No problem, with our StoryMap it’s a self-guided tour.
See you there, friends!
THANK YOU to our Amazing Artists!
This article could easily span the entirety of the newspaper touching on each of these amazing artists and their inspiration behind their boxes. All of the artists are listed on the map at www.uhsd.org/boxmap and we’re highlighting some of them here.
Numbers (00) in this article are highlighted on the map on the other page and online on the StoryMap.
