Several downtown traffic signal boxes have received a facelift, now showcasing the work of local artists highlighting various aspects of Owensboro. The Amped Up Artistry project aims to reflect Owensboro’s unique identity and leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Amped Up is a collaboration between the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Young Professionals (CYP), the City of Owensboro, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, and Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU).
Organizers launched Amped Up as a community beautification and downtown placemaking initiative. The idea arose after some CYP members noted seeing signal boxes (meaning the boxes on the ground containing the controls, not the actual signals hanging over intersections) decorated in other cities.
The CYP Community Development committee called for artwork submissions that align with Owensboro’s brand themes: bluegrass, bourbon, barbecue, and other unique aspects of the city. The group said their ultimate goal was to infuse the city with vibrant, community-specific artwork.
Community sponsors are funding the project at $1,500 per electrical box. That covers the cost of materials, installation, artist compensation, and future repairs. The initial phase included five locations and featured the work of four local artists, who each received $500.
The artwork for the initial round of designs was unveiled Thursday morning during Rooster Booster, with the artists, themes, and locations as follows:
- Rex Robinson
String Instruments
A salute to the Bluegrass heritage of Owensboro Daviess County
Located at the northeast corner of West 2nd and St. Elizabeth streets - Brittany Samsil
Starry Owensboro
A combination of Van Gogh’s masterpiece with the blue bridge of Owensboro
Located at the southwest corner of West 2nd and Frederica streets - Petra Mulligan
Kentucky Voices of Literature
A celebration of the wide range of authors Kentucky has provided to the world
Located at the northeast corner of West 2nd and St. Ann streets - Will Evans
The Boro
A vibrant, colorful collage of famous people and places in the Owensboro area
Located at the southwest corner of West 2nd and Allen streets - Rex Robinson
Sunflowers
Honoring Owensboro’s beautiful and diverse landscape
Located at the southeast corner of West 2nd and Daviess streets
Additional phases will bring more local artwork to 22 traffic boxes around downtown Owensboro.
“This type of project builds quality of life in our community and showcases how just a few individuals can indeed impact change,” said Candance Castlen Brake, Chamber President and CEO. “We are so thankful to our community partners, the artists, and the CYP members for their creativity, hard work, and love of Owensboro, which made this vision a reality.”
Owensboro Municipal Utilities officials previously noted the boxes are not being painted. Instead, they are being covered in vinyl wrapping that is expected to last between 7-10 years. OMU owns all the traffic boxes, and the project will not affect the traditional power inside the box.
“We are excited to partner with the Chamber Young Professionals and local artists to celebrate our community and enhance the beauty of the downtown area,” said OMU Public Relations and Communications Manager Sonya Dixon.
Sponsors thus far include the City of Owensboro, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Greenwell Chisholm, OMU, Owensboro Health, and RiverValley Behavioral Health.
CYP is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce program that offers young professionals (ages 40 and younger) opportunities to network and engage in community issues. To learn more about CYP, visit chamber.owensboro.com.
For more information about Amped Up Artistry and becoming an artist or sponsor, contact Ashtin Warren at [email protected], call 270-926-1860, or click here.
