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DENVER — Underneath a colorful coat of paint is a typical silver utility box near N. Lafayette St. and E. Colfax Ave., but the functional object-turned-work-of-art is a part of an initiative that’s fusing art and awareness.
“We have 14 utility boxes and for the last two years, we’ve actually used them to tell a story,” said Executive Director of the Colfax Avenue Business Improvement District Frank Locantore.
While there are several utility boxes throughout Denver that display colorful paintings, Locantore said those located on Colfax have a theme.
“This year, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York, we teamed up with the Center on Colfax and a local artist to work with the art students in the National Arts Honor Society at East High School to tell the story of the modern era civil rights movement for LGBTQ rights,” Locantore said.
Locantore said the district planned to switch out the art work once a year but starting next year the artwork will change every six months.
Locantore said for those artists who may be interested in painting a utility box, the business district is looking for its next round of painters. Click here for more details.