Traffic Boxes 2020
In the summer of 2019, the “Art 4 Ontario – Traffic Boxes” proposal was presented to the Revitalize Board by Hotbox Farms. The goal was to enhance the community through the arts. Revitalize Ontario partnered with artists in our area to create artwork to wrap Ontario’s traffic boxes. The project enhanced the look of the commercial traffic boxes while allowing local artists public space to display their work. The art project is ongoing and additional utility wraps are in consideration. Installation of 8 locations began September 2020. We want to thank everyone involved in this project it is exciting to see our city support the arts!
We have created a map of the locations for our art installations. They are listed in geographical order to help better guide you tour through town. Additionally, each artist provided a statement about their art, below, they are listed in the same order as the tour.
Click for a map of Traffic Box Locations
Artwork Selection Committee
Charlotte Fugate | Pam Hilfrich | Ryan Holden
Wanda King | Laura Hiramatsu | Bob Komoto |Matt Stringer
Artist Spotlight
Malheur Butte & Indian Paint Brushes – Sandy Micheli | I was born and raised in Malheur County and the butte was always the landmark we used to go by-this side of the butte or behind the butte etc. In the Spring we use to gather wild flowers and the Indian Paintbrush was always one of my favorite flowers.
Ontario Sunrise – Sydney Bolyard | I wanted “Ontario Sunrise” to be the very encapsulation of our community. I also wanted it to be bright, colorful, and eye catching to liven up the street a little. I hope that people passing by it will feel the vibrancy of our community. My goal was to create an artwork that would make visitors feel invited in and that Ontario residents would love and feel represented by. So, I was inspired to include some of the most iconic structures from Ontario’s skyline. I started the piece with the train depot. This building highlights some of Ontario’s history as well as being very recognizable. Ontario is a rural community, hence the Malheur Butte representing our agriculture as well as being a known symbol of the area. I also included the water tower to elude to Ontario’s industriousness. The welcome sign creates a sense of welcoming to visitors and provides a familiar landmark for residents. I chose sunflowers and the sunrise to add color and warmth to the piece. The sunflowers also add to the welcoming and friendly effect of the artwork. The sunrise creates a sense of hopefulness as well. Finally, I included the American flag beside the train depot to show Ontario’s conservative nature and patriotism. This is an artwork for Ontario, inspired by the sights of Ontario.
Harmony – Christina Nichols | There are four panels—each with an animal or animals and a mystical persona. In the first scene, a buck looks at the blue-eyed blue hair clad humanoid assessing what they are doing and thinking. It is a beautiful moonlight evening, and the floral scent fills their air creating the stage for mystical thoughts and possibilities. In the second panel embraces the two-tone eyed wolf. The third panel features another favorite—the cat, and she is petting him ever so gently. Finally, in the fourth panel, we have the human joining the sweet otters and holding hands. I hope my work speaks to those who see it in a way that inspires them to do good things. The environment and the animals we share this world with are interactive, and we need each other. I hope that my artistic rendition causes people to ponder planet earth, the animals, and our future. Keeping with the earth-friendly theme, I chose mostly greens, blues, and browns—earth colors. Ultimately, I feel as if we are in a battle to keep the planet clean and healthy. The animals, including us humans, are part of those needing us to treat it kindly. This interaction also includes how we relate and view other critters, animals—we should always do what is in their best interest. My sincere hope is that my photos speak to your heart and soul and inspire you to walk a planet-friendly path; as it inspired me to paint this piece. May your heart be filled with serenity and peace as you ponder the painting.
Fish with Crawdad – Rob Micheli | This work was inspired by a memory from my youth; a small, tiny, minute stream, hoping to catch anything from crawdad to frog. We did catch some of every species, with the thought that at any moment we would catch the monster, “the great one” that would earn us a spot in fishing lore. Those were the long summer days of youth
Red Poppies – Tena Rogers | The reason I chose the Poppy, they are well known for their beauty and vivid colors. They are also a symbol of Remembrance and Hope for a Peaceful Future. Poppies are sometimes used as a symbol of remembrance of Veterans. All war Veterans should be remembered for the great sacrifice made for our freedom. I would like to remember sacrifices that soldiers have made on more than just on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Poppies are a good reminder of the honor Veterans deserve. Thank God for our Soldiers!
Tending Onions – Gail Greco, Water Media Artist | Gail’s goal is to interpret what she sees and feels in a way that entertains and attracts the viewer to her paintings. Growing up in this rich agricultural area I take pride in understanding a little bit about what it takes to grow premium crops that will feed people all over the world. My painting, “Tending Onions”, represents the hard work, dedication and devotion that is required to produce the quality food that comes from our beautiful valley. This painting shows a part of farming that has not changed with time. The scene is a reminder that not everything on a successful farm can be achieved with big, fancy machines. The best results require spending long, hot days walking through the fields, examining the plants and touching the soil.
FRONTier(Horizon) – Allison Yano | FRONTier(Horizon) is a tribute to Ontario’s origins. Using motifs from the historical covered wagons to the present-day tractor, the two characters embody multiple generations, acknowledging the city’s century-long history. The woman and child are adorned in multicultural patterns atop their Pioneer-style clothing, an homage to a continually diversifying city. A loyal bloodhound stands guard while green and pink cornstalks tie into the agricultural industry and residents’ relationships with both animals and crops. In the background lies a disjointed yet whimsical landscape alluding to the dreams of freedom, adventure, and the unknown of the Oregon Trail and the American frontier. The characters not only stand on a cliff’s edge but atop the Malheur Butte, signifying the choice to set down roots. The Ontario Train Depot lies in the distance, a historical structure signifying the town’s establishment. FRONTier(Horizon) combines drawing and digital collage, merging techniques in addition to the many styles and symbols.
Pan Dulce – Eddie Melendrez | What inspired my creation was my Mexican culture and it’s impact on Ontario. Our food, our work ethic, our struggle, and “un cafecito con pan dulce” – “A cup of coffee with sweet bread”. I want people to pass by and think about the good memories that this food brings to us, our families and our people.
