Hoboken Artists Painting 14 Utility Boxes Around Town

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken-based artists this week began painting utility boxes on Washington Street as a part of the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee’s Hoboken Art Box Project. Artists or live or work in town had to submit a letter of interest and application to the city in August, and those selected received $1,250 to paint one of 14 utility boxes.

The projects had to reflect the theme "Equality and Inclusion."

Alison Josephs is currently painting "The Hoboken Tree," a mural at 12th and Washington, which displays birds in one big tree, reflecting the various countries represented in the Hoboken community. Josephs has invited various residents to paint a bird on the mural to reflect their country of origin, to show unity and collaboration in the community.

“We are excited for this project to be underway to help beautify our main commercial corridor, while celebrating Hoboken’s rich diversity and continued commitment to equity,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “I thank our arts committee and local artists for their efforts, and look forward to celebrating the finished murals!”

“It’s very exciting to see the art that is currently being created on Washington Street as a result of The Hoboken Art Box Project,” said Chris O’Connor, the chair of the seven-member Arts Committee. “This is the first project that the Hoboken Art Board has done, and it’s very inspiring to see that our call for proposals has inspired such wonderful work."

The Advisory Committee was formed last year as a result of an Executive Order signed by Mayor Bhalla to help select and recommend art projects to beautify public spaces in the city of Hoboken. As a part of the executive order, the city dedicates 1 percent of all city bond ordinances to fund the art projects recommended by the committee, and approved by the mayor and City Council.

For more information on the art mural project, including the theme of Equality and Inclusion, please click here.

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