City Manager Jay Ash stands alongside artists Nanda and Marc Rust (pictured), who completed a utility box painting at Polonia Park as part of the Chelsea Painted Box Program. Through this initiative, the city works to encourage artistic expression while combating graffiti. For participation details and additional resources, interested artists should consult www.chelseama.gov or reach out to the City Manager’s office.
The Chelsea Painted Box initiative welcomes additional artists to join its ranks. This program provides a platform for creative individuals to transform utility boxes positioned throughout Chelsea into public artwork.
Working in partnership with the Chelsea Cultural Council, City Manager Jay Ash oversees the program as a strategy for both promoting artistic endeavors and reducing graffiti in the community.
“The boxes that have been painted look outstanding,” offered recognition to 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.”
Nanda and Marc Rust, both established local artists, recently contributed their talents by painting a box situated at Polonia Playground, between Beacon and Tremont Streets. The design they created mimics a vintage radio, complete with functioning dial knobs for volume, tone and tuning adjustments.
“It took my husband and me about seven hours to complete the work on this box,” explained Nanda. “My family and I are all artists – being involved in adding beauty to our wonderful city was our absolute pleasure”
Among three boxes approved for the Rusts by the Chelsea Cultural Council, this represents one completion. The couple looks forward to finishing their remaining assignments.
To participate, Chelsea residents must complete an application available at City Hall or through www.chelseama.gov. Applicants must submit a design concept for their proposed box along with other required documentation.
A rolling admission process governs the Cultural Council’s review and selection of designs. Upon acceptance, participants receive notification with implementation guidelines. Upon completion of the painting, artists receive a $200.00 stipend. Year-round submission is permitted.
“I’ve heard from so many residents that the new painted box at Polonia Park has made the park that much better,” stated City Council President Dan Cortell, whose district encompasses this section of the municipality. “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,” added Cortell.