Mills 50 is seeking local artists to paint utility boxes – Phase III!

Mills 50, in conjunction with the City of Orlando, desires to create a Public Art Project that is all encompassing and seeks entries for a public exhibition in Orlando with a juried selection process to choose the artists. The purpose of the project is to create an environment which depicts the community’s diversity, creativity, commerce and
neighborhoods. This project will enhance the aesthetic of our community for all to enjoy.

Phase I of this project has been completed with (9) City of Orlando transportation engineering metal utility boxes, located in Mills 50, being transformed into “Art Boxes”. Five (5) cabinets were painted in Phase II. Five (5) utility cabinets will be transformed in Phase III.

Dimensions of the larger boxes: 56″ high x 28.125″ deep x 40.25″ wide; smaller boxes: 49” high x 17” deep x 30” wide. Artwork must include all five (5) surfaces (four sides & top) of the utility box. All artwork must be oil based paint to protect from the sun and heat exposure as a result of the Central FL environment.

Entries are open to all two dimensional artists living in Orange county. The Mills 50 logo shall appear within all submittals.  The judging panel will determine which selected artist paints which cabinet. Each artist may paint only a single box but may make more than one submission.

Sketches and/or slides must be submitted mailed to: Mills 50, 1200 Weber Street, Orlando, FL 32803 or e-mailed to: director@mills50.org no later than Friday, May 4.Mills 50 will provide paint & materials, up to $100, plus a $100 gift certificate for each of the selected artists. Artist may exceed the paint & materials cost, but will not be reimbursed by Mills 50 for any costs exceeding $100.00.

Proposed timeline:

  • Judging will occur the week of May 7; selected artists will be contacted by Monday, May 14.
  • Boxes will be between May 21 and June 10. All boxes must be painted by June 10.

Artist Antje Dardin painting at Livingston & Summerlin (Phase II).

Commissioner Patty Sheehan painting at Ferncreek & Virginia (Phase II)

Ferncreek Elementary 2nd grade students painting at Ferncreek & Oregon (Phase II)

Lake Highland 9th grade art club painting at Marks & Highland (Phase II)

Artist Danny Rock painting at Ferncreek & Livingston (Phase II)

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