Council approves utility-box art pilot featuring five local artists

The Sonoma City Council on Feb. 18 approved a pilot program to wrap seven utility boxes at five sites in the city with artwork from five locally selected artists.

Parks and Recreation staff described a multi-year effort by the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission to develop the program. "We received artwork from 16 different artists," Parks Director Dave Jans said, noting the ad hoc committee and the commissioning process. The selected artists are Misha Cheddini (two designs), Alex Cole, Judah and Silas Herrera (youth artists), Johnny Hirshmuggle (two designs) and Veronica Napoles. Locations include utility boxes near Safeway (two boxes), Black Bear Diner (two boxes), Broadway at Patton, 617 Broadway and 19 West Napa Street.

Staff said the city has executed a professional-services agreement with Fast Signs to manufacture wraps and that funding is available in the public art fund. The city will work with artists during a final-proof process and consider an anti-graffiti coating prior to installation. Staff recommended a year-long pilot review to assess wear and community reaction and noted vinyl wraps commonly last three to five years depending on exposure.

CFAC leadership and the parks director emphasized artist recognition and community engagement. "We're getting people used to having art in a kind of minor way," the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission chair said, noting youth participation and community enthusiasm.

Mayor Wellender moved to approve the recommended artwork and encourage quick installation; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call: Councilmember Gurney, yes; Councilmember Dean, aye; Councilmember Ferrer Rivas, aye; Mayor Wellender, yes. The council directed staff to confirm technical details (ventilation on boxes) and continue artist coordination during final proofing.

What happens next: staff will finalize proofs with the artists, add an anti-graffiti coating as recommended, and begin installation as early as spring pending final proofs and any technical checks (ventilation and template fit). The pilot will be evaluated for durability and community response before expansion.