The following article was written by Diana Bolander, Assistant Director/Curator at the Rahr-West Art Museum.
In 2021 the Rahr-West Art Museum Public Arts committee contracted with ten artists to paint utility boxes throughout downtown Manitowoc with designs based on work in the Museum’s collection. This year’s collaboration with Manitowoc Public Utilities, funded by the City of Manitowoc Room Tax Commission, will add ten more designs to the city’s public art collection: five boxes downtown and five at public schools. Rahr-West Art Museum Director Greg Vadney says, “The public reception of last year’s utility box project made it a no-brainer to continue it a second year. The local schools are a natural partner for this type of public art. We owe it to last year’s artists that put in the ideas and work to continue creating wonderful artwork.”
The inclusion of local schools was inspired in part by the unfortunate location of some of the boxes. While we are all thankful to have reliable power at educational facilities, having a large utility box right at the front door of a school, as there is at Madison Elementary for instance, can be less than welcoming. Madison Principal Stacie Opahle comments that “Madison Elementary is excited to partner with the Rahr West for the utility box project and bring art onto our grounds to make our entrance more aesthetically pleasing. We are also excited to partner with the artist selected to have our students collaborate on this project from selecting the inspired artwork to completing the project.”
Having public art at public schools also ensures that a diverse audience will see the works as they make their way to and from school on a daily basis. Two of the main objectives of the utility box project relate to art access: to increase awareness and understanding of local art and the Rahr-West Art Museum and to present an affordable and accessible art experience for people of all ages.
Having public art accessible makes it more present in the lives of all citizens of Manitowoc. When artist Sonia Vasquez was working on her utility box in 2021, she had an interaction with a homeless man who happened to be Hispanic. Her piece, Poco Malhumorada, based on the Bouguereau painting in the Rahr-West Art museum collection, incorporates floral motifs found in traditional Mexican embroidery. She said, “It was very meaningful to share what Hispanic culture meant to me and how it was important to someone experiencing some obstacles in their life.”
Aside from accessibility, the project also strives to enhance the quality of life for our citizens and promote Manitowoc as a cultural destination by making our streetscapes interesting and dynamic. Courtney Hansen, Director of Tourism, comments, “We are so excited for the second phase of the utility box project to hit Manitowoc’s streets this summer! The first phase brought designs from the museum’s permanent collection outside and into the heart of our downtown. I look forward to once again seeing utility boxes transform into works of art in both our downtown and outside our public schools.”
Later this spring the Rahr-West Art Museum will launch a public arts app, that will provide information and interpretation of public art works in the City of Manitowoc, including the utility boxes. Vadney says, “The app is going to let members of the community and visitors get more in-depth on public art that we share throughout the city. It lets them find and navigate but also explains why we have the piece of art and, more importantly, it shares the people that created it and the stories of the work.”
Amateur and professional artists are encouraged to apply for the 2022 Utility Box Project, as well as artist teams and educational institutions. Applications are due April 22, 2022 and installation will occur between May and July 2022. The Request for Proposal and application can be found on the Rahr-West Art Museum’s website at https://www.manitowoc.org/2363/Public-Arts
The Rahr-West Art Museum is open, free to the public, Tuesday – Fridays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. More details on programs and exhibitions can be found at www.rahrwestartmuseum.org