Calling all Hull artists!
The Economic Development Committee, in partnership with the Hull Municipal Light Plant, is embarking on a Utility Box Painting Project to help beautify the town. A number of communities also have similar programs, including Plymouth, Salem, and Chelsea.
The intent is to engage local artists to design and paint an assigned utility box along Nantasket Avenue at a visible location with original designs highlighting the beauty and vitality of Hull.
“The goal of the project is to contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of the streetscape while engaging community members to appreciate the simplicity of public art,” former EDC member Donna Pursel, who now serves on the Select Board, reported to fellow members Wednesday night. The board fully supports the project.
Participating artists will supply their own paint and equipment and will receive a $200 stipend once they complete and forward a photo of their work.
The seven locations approved by the light plant are: Nantasket Avenue/Miller’s Crossing (near Mezzo Mare); Nantasket Avenue/Water Street; Nantasket Avenue/Wharf Crossing (near the Paragon Carousel); Nantasket Avenue/ Kenberma Playground; Nantasket Avenue/A Street; Nantasket Avenue/L Street; and Nantasket Avenue at Kenberma.
All Hull artists are encouraged to submit an application, available at https://www.facebook.com/wallsonthewater/, along with design guidelines and deadline and submission information. Up to three designs by each artist will be considered by the EDC, which will review the applications and set up those who are chosen to participate with a box to paint within a two-week timeframe. The targeted completion date is July.
Two people have already made donations toward the project totaling $1,000, which could help with some of the advertising costs.
Artists will be asked to keep the paint they use for future touch-ups as needed. The boxes could be returned to their original color if necessary, at the EDC’s expense.
Select Board member John Reilly asked Pursel to reach out to the Hull Cultural Council. “I’d like to see them involved,” he said.
Pursel said she has done so but has not yet heard back, so she will try again.
Some Hull artists have already expressed support for this creative project.
