The artwork of five DeKalb residents is showcased in the latest round of a program  extending public art throughout the community. 

Paintings by these artists were used to create the fourth round of utility box murals, which  were recently installed through the public art initiative of the City of DeKalb and its  Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC). Digital images of the artwork  were made into vinyl wraps, which were installed on large utility boxes, creating pop-up  murals throughout the community. Their artwork was selected from nearly 50 submissions  from local artists for this latest round of the program. 

“Thank you to all the talented artists who submitted their artwork to beautify our City. The  skill and creativity shown in your work is another example of the vibrancy of DeKalb’s arts  community,” said Mayor Cohen Barnes. “It is a thrill to be able to share this artwork with  the public, and we’re excited to extend this program to more neighborhoods.” 

While the initial rounds concentrated the murals in the downtown, this latest round  expanded the footprint of the program to new areas of the City. Below are the artists and  the locations of their murals. 

• Doug Overton, North Annie Glidden Road and Lucinda Avenue 
• Christine Perkovich, Dresser Road and Pride Avenue 
• Lise Schlosser, North Annie Glidden Road and West Hillcrest Drive 
• Charlie B. Thorne, North First Street and Pine Street 
• Aaron Tinder, North First Street and West Hillcrest Drive 

“We were very pleased and excited by the nearly 50 submissions from local artists for this  year’s utility box art initiative,” said Brad Hoey, Chair of the CCEC. “The quantity and  quality of the applications reveals that this public art program resonates with area artists, 

and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from city residents is an indication that utility  box art is very popular with members of the DeKalb community.” 

With utility boxes available throughout the community, the City and CCEC plan to feature  the artwork of more local artists in a growing number of neighborhoods throughout  DeKalb. 

The utility box mural program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts  Council.