Utility Box Art Program brings color throughout El Centro
News 11's Vanessa Gongora went to see some of the art work done by local artists.
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - El Centro started a Utility Box Art Program where members of the community can showcase their artwork throughout the city.
Talented artists from the Imperial Valley now get to see their creations on the streets of El Centro.
Utility boxes are a magnet for graffiti, so the city wanted to incorporate art to stop graffiti and beautify El Centro.
There are going to be 19 utility boxes with local artists designs made with vinyl wrap. The vinyl wrap will last about seven years.
The wrap is non-porous so if someone does graffiti over it, it can be easily wiped off.
Community Services Director, Adriana Nava, is looking forward to all the art created by local artists in the Imperial Valley.
"We just want to make sure our community is friendly, has a more vibrant aesthetic to it and so we're hoping these boxes do that for us," Nava said.
The art pieces were chosen by the City's Library and Community Services Board.
There are 13 artists ranging from nine to 86 years old.
One artist and El Centro Elementary School teacher, Susan Millan, had the privilege of having three of her pieces chosen.
"Hibiscus flower, hummingbird and sunflower and they're all watercolors that I did," Millan said.
The art symbolizes elements including the history and culture of the valley.
A young artist from Calexico, Janneth Aguirre, feels the monarch butterfly is the most important part of her piece because it symbolizes migration.
She says because the Imperial Valley is very close to the border, we can relate to the butterflies.
"And the fact that it gives us the opportunity to have such a unique culture that not everyone relates to and that culture is thanks to our migrant families that usually come here across the border to have a better way of life," said Aguirre.
So far there are five boxes completed.
The city's goal is to have all 19 boxes finished within three months.
