Pittsfield Asks Artists To Turn Electrical Boxes Into Art
There are eight electrical boxes that will become artists' canvases.
The Artscape Committee has picked eight electrical boxes spanning from the Berkshire Museum to Persip Park that it will pay artists to paint.
There are no restrictions on who can apply and submissions are due on April 15.
"The time has come for Artscape to re-energize. We've been doing downtown sculpture shows for years and now with the help of Berkshire Money Management we are reigniting the fire for art," Artscape Chairman Alex Reczkowski said.
A selection committee will choose the artists to paint the boxes. Those chosen will be given $250 for the work and $150 for materials.
The projects will be done in time for July's Third Thursday.
"These eight electric load boxes will become paintboxes. They will be canvases for artists to reimagine and to re-inspire all of us," Reczkowski said.
The paintbox program is the latest public art installation that started with Sheeptacular in 2005, when decorated sheep sculptures were displayed throughout the city. The Artscape Committee also places public art sculptures throughout the downtown each year.
This new program is sponsored by Berkshire Money Management and is hoped to not only liven up the aesthetics of the dull gray boxes but also discourage vandalism. A paintbox program is currently being done in Newton and Boston and is one Mayor Linda Tyer called a "really cool" event."
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Mayor Linda Tyer said art is part of the city's identity and this program will help show that off.
"This is the integration of the kind of art throughout the streets of downtown that makes our city visually stunning and interesting. It is a display of creativity. It also demonstrates what we value as a community," Tyer said.
"Here at home, we value art."
Tyer said art is "part of our identity" and this program will help show that off.
"I am exceedingly grateful for the artists who come into our community often to provide us with really wonderful enrichment to the way that we live and work in our community of Pittsfield," Tyer said.
Reczkowski says this summer won't be the end of the program. While there are eight boxes chosen for this year, he hopes to expand the program each year.
"Our goal is to ultimately expand the map's coverage throughout the city and to fill it with paintboxes," Reczkowski said.
Anyone or group can apply and submit a design. Reczkowski said one box located at Park Square would be a perfect for students at Pittsfield High School to paint. Tyer said some graffiti artists could be a good fit for the boxes.
"There is a difference between random graffiti and graffiti artists," the mayor said.
Office of Cultural Development Director Jen Glockner said the group considered themes but ultimately decided "anything goes." Any group or person can submit a design with the application below.
Pittsfield Paintbox Application
Tags: art installation, public art,
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