Artists driven to draw up better traffic boxes

SANDUSKY — These individual artists continue accelerating forward on a collective goal to liven up dull traffic boxes throughout Sandusky. In 2025, three new projects in the city's ongoing ArtBox initiative popped up at busy intersections. They can be found at popular roadway crossings controlled by red-, yellow- and green-light crossings. Introduced in 2022, the project seeks to enliven traffic control boxes, located at intersections on city public right-of-ways. Officials drew inspiration from bigger cities, such as Boston, Massachusetts, and Houston previously adopting this concept. While staff members do give artists creative freedom, some parameters do exist. "Proposals are encouraged to positively reflect the unique culture, racial identities, history and/or iconic public figures of the city of Sandusky and Sandusky Bay," according to a city statement. Officials welcome additional artists to take part in this project, which does receive funding through the city's public arts and culture commission. "This project is a great opportunity for local artists to display their talent and tell the stories of the city," said Arin Blair, the city's chief planner who oversees this initiative. "It's also a chance to develop mural painting skills and expertise for artists who have a goal of creating larger public art projects in their career." Blair added how, "The ArtBox program is a great way to get local artists' work out in the neighborhoods. These city-owned traffic control cabinets become an unexpected opportunity to feature public art. There are dozens of opportunities for ArtBox projects around the city." People can contact Blair by emailing ablair@cityofsandusky.com. Painting the mission's picture The program helps fulfill Sandusky's ongoing public art initiative. In short, officials identify opportunities where such visuals make sense to improve certain areas. This would include murals in and around downtown along with sculptures popping up in city parks. The ArtBox program lines up with this mission by seeking "to create unique and pleasant experiences for Sandusky residents and visitors," city community development director Colleen Gilson said. "Transforming utility boxes, which generally blend into the background, into art places and spaces is a goal of the program. Another goal is celebrating Sandusky's talented arts community," Gilson said. Mapping out the boxes Here's a guide of where to find the finished ArtBox projects across Sandusky and the years in which these projects began and substantially ended: 2025 • Jordan Evans created "Smell the Flowers" at Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) and Pierce Street • Kylee Frederick created "Starry Sandusky" at Columbus Avenue at West Park • Jeniah Prentice created "Free Yourself" at Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) and West Osborne Street 2024 • Lori Jameson created "Sandusky Seasons" at Columbus Avenue, Campbell and Scott streets • Siah Kornegay created "Lake Erie Tern" at East Water and Wayne streets 2023 • Jameson also created "Day of LEM" at Hayes Avenue and Tyler Street • Prentice also created "A Beautiful Horizon" at Sycamore Line and Milan Road (U.S. 250) by Jeniah Prentice 2022 • Darlene Wood created "Little Italy" at Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) and Sycamore Line (U.S. 250) Hearing from the artists Evans and Frederick created two of the newer ArtBox projects. Both spoke about why they wanted to participate in this initiative: • Evans: We only live once, so, no matter what season you're in with life, "Smell the flowers." • Frederick: "Starry Sandusky" is all about the hard work our community puts into their lives. Long hours at work might diminish our energy but never our hope, finding inspiration within the rolling waters of our lakefront. On one side, the native great blue heron symbolizes patience within transformation. Our successes aren't always immediate. Sometimes we have to wade (through) the water for a while to find just one fish to relieve our hunger. Overall this painting is a representation of the diligent and industrious efforts I see from all of Sandusky's dream-chasers. It's not finished yet due to unforeseen circumstances but keep an eye out this spring for it's completion.