Pawtucket Continues Initiatives to Bring Public Art into Its Neighborhoods
“Support, Honor, Respect, and Inspire” by Jennifer Boyle Hebda 390 Pine Street
PAWTUCKET – Pawtucket’s Advisory Commission on Arts and Culture, working through its public art subcommittee, continues efforts to transform various public infrastructure located throughout city neighborhoods in colorful urban canvases.
Perhaps the most noticeable of these initiatives is the Pawtucket Paint Box Program that provides stipend payments to local artists to design and paint often bland and overlooked utility boxes that are typically located along public streets and at signalized intersections. According to Miriam R. Plitt, chair of the Pawtucket Arts and Cultural Commission, the program, which is paid for by Community Development Block Grant funds, has transformed nearly 30 of these utility boxes into lively works of public art since 2016.
Nearly all of these works of art were completed by Pawtucket-based artists, residents, or students. “This project is a great way to visibly bring art, created by artists living or working in the City, directly to Pawtucket residents. The project was modeled on a similar successful effort in Boston,” she says.
“The original works of art must fit into an urban setting, both responding to the utility box location and the surrounding neighborhood,” says Plitt, noting that this visual art is intended to increase cultural expression and public engagement throughout the City. All design proposals are reviewed at public meetings of the commission.
“I Love You Grandmother” by Pamela Cardoso
Smithfield Avenue
Larger scale initiatives include the Payne Park Mural in Pawtucket’s Woodlawn neighborhood. This over 800 square foot mural is nearing completion by artist Kit Collins. The brightly colored walls depict neighborhood landmarks, common activities of residents, and both natural and historical connections to the Blackstone River. According to Plitt, “This is a significant project in terms of scale and participation. We conducted a regional call for design proposals, collected resident feedback on final proposals, and included art apprentice positions for local students to contribute to the project.”
These City-led initiatives have also been matched recently by private art projects in and around downtown Pawtucket including new murals at Atrium on Main located at 1 North Union Street, Blackstone Studios located at 163 Exchange Street, and Shri Yoga located at 390 Pine Street.
“These public art projects are an effective way to promote Pawtucket’s thriving arts community,” says Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “Artists are generating excitement and providing a unique experience in our neighborhoods with these works of art, and we look forward to more exiting projects moving forward,” he says.
For details about the Pawtucket Box Program, call Jay Rosa, Assistant Director, Department Planning and Redevelopment at 401 728-0500, Ext. 450.