Make it beautiful: Utility Box Art Project complete, set for public celebration in the spring
Photo supplied, Ogden City Arts
One of 15 utility boxes in downtown Ogden that has been adorned in artwork as part of Ogden City Arts' Utility Box Art Project. This undated photo shows a piece titled "Speculative Life Beyond a Prehistoric Shore" by Van Williamson. It is located along the north side of Ogden Avenue.OGDEN — Utility boxes tend not to be the most attractive or exciting pieces of urban and suburban architecture to begin with.
Ogden City Arts, with the help of several artists, has been trying to change that in downtown Ogden.
“Ogden City Arts is pleased to announce the installation of public artwork on 15 utility boxes featuring original designs by local artists,” Ogden City Arts announced in a press release on Tuesday. “Now in its second round, the Utility Box Art Project continues to increase public art engagement while enhancing the Nine Rails Creative District and downtown Ogden.”
Ogden City Arts Administrator Lorie Buckley said in the press release that the utility box art project helps spruce up a usually bland piece of architecture.
“The Utility Box Art Project is a powerful way to bring everyday infrastructure to life,” she said. “By transforming these ordinary street fixtures into vibrant canvases, we are not only supporting local artists but also enhancing the visual experience of downtown Ogden. These wraps reflect the creativity of our community and make public spaces more engaging, walkable, and uniquely ours.”
Regina Esparza — marketing and communications coordinator for Ogden City Arts, Culture & Events — told the Standard-Examiner in an email the full project has been coming together for several years now.
“The project is the second round of art-wrapped utility boxes,” she said. “The first round was completed in 2019 in preparation for the Spike 150 celebration, where the community response was overwhelmingly positive. The community loved seeing our local artists being highlighted on the street corners, so we decided as funding came available that we would add to the collection, putting art in the public realm for the community to enjoy. Public art should surprise and inspire you in your daily life, and the utility boxes are a great way to accomplish that interaction.”
She said there aren’t immediate plans to apply more art to utility boxes, but is hopeful there will be another round in the future.
“Ogden is lucky to have so many talented creatives who are active in our community,” she said. “This project is a perfect collaboration highlighting Ogden’s vibrant art scene.”
The release notes that there will be a public celebration of the new art installations in the spring of 2026. Esparza said this will come in the form of a pop-up event during a spring First Friday Art Stroll complete with an artist reception at the Dumke Plaza.
For more information on the Utility Box Art Project, visit https://www.ogdencity.gov/3031/Utility-Box-Art-Project-Round-2.
