The Outside the Box Project was initiated in 2016 and utilizes art to combat graffiti. Traffic Boxes made up 70 percent of graffiti incidents. The cost of redesigning a traffic box is far less than the amount utilized to remove graffiti multiple times throughout the years. These public art projects not only help save city funds, but they also help build a sense of community ownership and support artists, many of whom are local residents.
Close to half of this project was funded by an SCFD grant awarded to the Thornton Arts, Sciences and Humanities Council (TASHCO). The TASHCO Funds Balance paid for the remaining amount.
About this design: Simonelli explains, "Through my paintings, I hope to connect the viewer with their own resonations and emotions that come up for them. With wanting the paintings to belong to each individual, or viewer, I have found it hard to title each piece. The work is going to mean something different to everyone, so it feels a little selfish to place that bias on it right from the start. However, that is the name of the game, and I am eager to share, and thrilled for these opportunities!" To learn more about Simonelli's work, please visit blaisenpainting.com.
- Subject Matter: animals, pigs, farm
- Created: c. 2019
- Current Location: Washington Street & 98th Avenue
- Collections: "Outside the Box" Traffic Box Murals