Six traffic signal boxes throughout downtown Norfolk have been wrapped with original artwork by local artists.
The vinyl-wrapped boxes are part of a street-level art initiative by the Downtown Norfolk Council to celebrate local creativity and improve pedestrians’ experience, according to a news release. The project also aims to reduce graffiti in the district.
DNC staff and a volunteer selection committee commissioned five artists and creative teams for the project. VisitNorfolk’s vice president of marketing and communications, Sarah Hughes, was a member of the selection committee.
“The artwork reflects the diversity and creativity that make our city special,” Hughes said in the release, adding that the signal boxes give residents and visitors an opportunity to create “moments of discovery.”
“Nor-Folk Art,” by Dwight Easter, is at the corner of Plume and Granby streets. Easter’s work was inspired by the beauty of working-class routines and day-to-day life.
“The Box,” by Ka-Son Reeves and his family, was a collaborative effort, including artwork drawn directly by Reeves’ children. The piece aims to celebrate the creative freedom of childlike imagination.
In “Norfolk Corners,” Mike Watts celebrates downtown Norfolk’s social density while also showcasing the Elizabeth River and the battleship Wisconsin. Watts’ designs are at the corner of Main and Boush streets.
James Williams’ “Laced in Motion” layers bright designs to reflect city life and people crossing paths. The artwork, at the corner of City Hall Avenue and Boush Street, was inspired by sneakers and urban movement.
“Shapes Passing Through” by Daniel Goodman features art across two signal boxes at the corner of City Hall Avenue and Granby Street. The blues, oranges and whites are presented in flowing blobs doing their best to “hold it together,” according to the Downtown Norfolk Council’s description.
“It’s the kind of project that can make people stop, smile and take notice while making downtown feel even more welcoming,” Hughes said.
