DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) is seeking paintings  by local artists for the next round of a public arts program promoting a vibrant and  welcoming community. 

Both professional and amateur artists are invited to submit high-quality photos or scans  of their paintings for the fourth round of the utility box mural initiative. The digital images  will then be made into vinyl wraps to cover utility boxes, creating murals throughout the  City. 

“The utility box mural program continues to resonate with local artists and DeKalb  residents,” said CCEC Chair Brad Hoey. “Like the City’s Paint-A-Plug fire hydrant art  initiative, the utility box mural program is another opportunity for artists to display color,  beauty and creativity within our community.” 

Through the first three rounds of the program, 11 utility box murals have been created in  downtown DeKalb. With this fourth round, the program will expand to new areas  throughout the City, including spots along routes heavily traveled by NIU and DeKalb High  School students walking to class. 

“The City’s focus was the downtown core for the initial stages of the utility box art program,  and my fellow commissioners and I are very excited that the work of our talented local  artists will be showcased in other areas throughout our community,” said Hoey. 

The utility boxes that will be used for this round of the program are located at intersections,  so, along with pedestrians, the murals will create a fun moment for drivers waiting at traffic  signals. The ideal submissions will be paintings that include large imagery that can make  an impact from a distance.

The utility box murals are part of multiple public arts initiatives by the City and CCEC to  enhance aesthetics, promote civic pride and celebrate the community’s diversity.  Submissions will be evaluated in part on their incorporation of a welcoming theme that  conveys a sense of belonging. 

Along with photographs and scans of existing paintings, artists may create original digital  artwork. All submissions must be the artist’s own work. The full guidelines can be found  in the Call for Artists on the City’s website at cityofdekalb.com/1589/Utility-Box-Murals.  The online form to submit photos and scans of the artwork can also be found there.  Submissions are due by July 15.  

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. 

Photo caption: The utility box mural at North First Street and Locust Street was created with a painting by Brian Livingston. DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement  Commission is seeking similar paintings with large images for its next round of the public  arts program.