Artists from the Community Canvases project have been busy painting their way across town. Last summer the group left its mark on Elmwood Avenue, and this summer the artists are heading to North Buffalo to tackle Hertel Avenue. In their wake, they leave behind myriad colorful markers – signals that say the community is alive with art.
By taking drab and dreary utilitarian objects and funkifying them, Community Canvases hopes to inspire people to look at their neighborhoods a little differently. What was once a blank steel utility box becomes a blank canvas. That canvas becomes whatever the artist imagines.
“I am thrilled to work with Community Canvasses again to support our local artists who will apply their talents to further enhance the streetscape of Hertel Avenue, one of the City’s most prominent neighborhoods and destination,” said Delaware District Councilmember Michael LoCurto. “I look forward to seeing the community’s character come to life through this public art initiative.“
In order to make a significant impact on Hertel, Community Canvases is looking for qualified artists to paint up a storm.
“We are so excited to bring our signal box mural project to Hertel Avenue,” said Jim Montour, Vice President of Community Canvases. “As a resident of the Hertel area, I can’t wait to give the already thriving community some splashes of color.”
Artists can find the Request for Proposal on this Facebook page for artists to apply to paint a signal box. Selected artists will be paid between $300 and $400 depending on the size and location on the box. The deadline for application is June 20th.
Images: Elyssa Harper’s sketch for a well mural for the University Heights Street Art Blitz