Art of the Box Unveiled
On Sept. 23, KCCI and the City of Tallahassee unveiled the Art of the Box Pilot Project, which transformed five grey traffic control boxes into colorful, public art for all to enjoy. Mayor John Dailey, City Commissioners, COCA, project partner Fast Signs, and four of the local artists joined KCCI to reveal the box wrapped with Christopher Barnhart’s “Infinite Possibilities.”
Barnhart’s family, community members and local news stations were also present for the exciting unveiling of Barnhart’s creative, colorful mixed-media design.
Art of the Box invites viewers to enjoy creations covering physical traffic box forms, while still maintaining their intended safety function. Passing pedestrians and vehicle passengers can enjoy the artwork at their convenience.
Art of the Box engages artists and viewers of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds, broadening exposure to and interest in public art. Research shows that artistic works in an area also tend to deter vandalism and graffiti.
The project stimulates local economies by welcoming cultural tourism and offers an economic incentive to empower local creatives. A key goal of the initiative is to support artists whose designs will leave a lasting impact and enhance spaces through public art placemaking.
Read more about Art of the Box or download the map here for a self-guided tour of Tallahassee’s newly beautified traffic intersections. The transformed public infrastructures enhance our streetscapes while showcasing the talent of our local creatives.
The Art of the Box Pilot Project was envisioned by KCCI and made possible with the help of the City of Tallahassee, COCA/Tallahassee Arts, Fastsigns Inc., and Leon County. If you are interested in being part of a team that builds upon the success of the Art of the Box pilot project, please click here and consider applying to be a 2021 Community Catalyst.