WESTFIELD-Wherever Morgan Drewniany’s travels take her, her eyes are always in search of art in its many forms.
“I like to find art in weird places,” said Drewniany during a walk on Elm Street Friday. “I can look at a blank canvas and see the opportunity for it to do more.”
Morgan Drewniany, program director for a new Westfield on Weekends utility box painting project, is seen next to one of two boxes to be painted on Elm Street. This box is located in front of the PVTA station.
Drewniany is spearheading a new “place-making opportunity” on Elm Street as part of a Westfield on Weekends (WOW) initiative to beautify two utility boxes in the Gaslight District.
“In Springfield, I coordinated murals on 26 boxes throughout the Cultural District to great success,” said Drewniany, adding that three years later people still ask for maps.
“Now on a smaller scale, in my hometown, I’m thrilled to begin a similar project to bring even more life to our downtown,” she added.
Drewniany explained that programs to create “non-conventional murals” are not new, noting that Boston, Northampton and Easthampton have embarked on similar beautification initiatives.
WOW is funding this program through a Westfield Cultural Council grant, according to Drewniany who is serving as WOW’s program director for the project. She has been a member of WOW since early 2016.
The utility boxes to be painted are located near the intersections of School St. and Elm St. and Arnold St. and Elm St..
“WOW hopes to find two artists of differing styles,” said Drewniany.
The theme all artists are asked to adhere to is “the history and future of Westfield” to complement the city’s upcoming 350th anniversary. Also, the artwork must be suitable for viewing by all ages.
Muralists are sought by Westfield on Weekends to paint two utility boxes on Elm Street this summer, including this black one on the right.
The request for proposal and more details can be found at WestfieldonWeekends.com/Utility-Box-Painting-Project.html.
Artists must submit their ideas by June 8 at 5 p.m. to the selection committee. Applications are available by visiting WestfieldonWeekends.com or by contacting Drewniany via email to [email protected] or by calling (413) 454-1195.
The artists chosen will be paid for their time and reimbursed for materials. While the program is open to all artists, Westfield applicants may be given preference according to the request for proposal guidelines.
All mediums will be considered including, but not limited to, spray paint, acrylic paint, and vinyl applications. Also, the selection committee encourages “geometric and simple color and shape design.”
Drewniany pointed out that the utility boxes have handles, hinges, locks, control panels and meters that must remain free from any art image.
“Our hope is that this pilot project will show what is possible for the downtown area,” said Drewniany, adding, “Art makes life fun and it inspires people.”
