The last utility box in the first phase of this series. Beautifully executed and filled with images of daily life in South Pasadena. This box depicts the busy intersection where the light rail meets cars and pedestrians. This rail line was originally used for freight and Amtrak. It is close to the South Pasadena…
utility boxes
Utility Box Art #9
This utility box pays homage to South Pasadena’s designation as a Tree City USA community. Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, the community must achieve four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating…
Utility Box Art #8
I didn’t mean to be away for so long, but I am back and want to share the last three utility boxes before moving onto sharing the second phase. This utility box pays homage to South Pasadena being on Route 66. South Pasadena was part of the 1926-31 and 1940-1964 alignment, which included several major…
Utility Box Art #7
This utility box occupies a very busy street corner in South Pasadena. It is colorful and interesting to look at tucked under a shady mature tree. This box has a collection of images that as a viewer, I am not sure what they represent. This panel reminds me of the iconic image from the Great…
Utility Box Art #6
The art on this box definitely has an anime feel to it. Her persona changes depending on her mood as evidenced by the different hair color, skin color and outfit on each panel. I love art for this reason as it is your interpretation of what you are seeing. The artist can explain what it…
Utility Box Art #5
This box documents our everyday life in South Pasadena with our feathered friends, the wild parrots. The parrots have been entrenched in our city for years and they traditionally roost in Altadena, Temple City and South Pasadena. During the fall and winter months, the parrots tend to roost more than any other time of year….
Utility Box Art #4
One of the simplest in design, but interesting nonetheless. A beautiful bonsai tree placed against a repeating geometric pattern. The process of raising bonsai requires controlling the kind of shape the trees take and allowing it to achieve its most beautiful, balanced form. In essence, both of these mediums are controlled. One is achieved naturally and…
Utility Box Art #3
This box is next to a gas station and it is a welcome sight. It reminds of a doodle on a massive scale. Upon closer inspection, you can see birds, plants and roses. With South Pasadena being a neighbor to Pasadena, home of the Rose Parade, the roses are definitely appropriate. Not knowing the artist’s…
Utility Box Art #2
The art on this utility box pays homage to America’s first ostrich farm. The Cawston Ostrich Farm was started in 1886 when Edward Cawston brought ostriches to California to cash in on the popularity of ostrich feathers as fashion by cutting out the middlemen and raising his own birds. Most of the birds he imported…
Utility Box Art #1
South Pasadena Arts Council spearheaded an arts program to spruce up ten drab utility boxes with colorful, unique paintings. Public art builds a sense of community and these boxes capture the unique spirit of our city’s history and distinctive culture. This box is a vibrant representation of our weekly farmers market featuring the venue, our…