Courtesy photo.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Arizona Public Service (APS) have partnered on a pilot program to transform 10 utility cabinets into stunning works of art. To celebrate this collaboration, the City and APS hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 25 to unveil a newly wrapped cabinet at the entrance of Sinagua Middle School, featuring artwork by local artist Jo Rohrbacker.
Building on the City’s highly successful traffic signal cabinet program, this initiative continues to turn utilitarian cabinets into colorful, community-centered art. Now in its fifth year, the program has introduced a variety of designs to Flagstaff’s streetscapes, from imaginative scenes of northern Arizona’s flora and fauna to playful abstract compositions. The artistic wraps, made of durable vinyl, are designed to last up to five years while providing the added benefit of deterring graffiti and vandalism.
“This program enhances Flagstaff’s distinct character, fosters neighborhood pride and showcases the incredible talents of emerging and established artists,” said City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program manager Jana Weldon. “We are thrilled to expand this initiative in collaboration with APS to bring even more creativity to our community.”
“APS is excited to partner with the City of Flagstaff on this program to convert electrical cabinets into vibrant canvases,” said Janet Dean, APS Public Affairs Manager. “In addition to displaying the designs of local artists in a unique way, the public art project will celebrate the beauty of Northern Arizona and our dynamic community.”
The City issues annual Calls to Artists, inviting amateur and professional artists, graphic designers and illustrators to submit original designs for the utility cabinets. One of these calls is currently open for submissions through April 15. Designs will be reviewed by panels of community members who live and work near the cabinet locations, with selection based on artistic merit and site specificity. Final recommendations are approved by the City’s Beautification & Public Art Commission.
Funding for the project is provided by the City of Flagstaff’s Bed, Board and Beverage (BBB) tax, which supports community beautification and public art. For more information on the program and how to participate, visit flagstaff.az.gov/4411