By Samantha SLAYBACK

Earlier this year, the Arts and Culture Commission of Glendale put out its first requests for artists in a utility box mural project known as “Beyond the Box.” On May 17, the chosen artists set out to decorate 26 utility boxes in the city of Glendale along Brand Boulevard and Central Avenue. Now, the commission has chosen to build on the success of the previous project by partnering with The Big Draw L.A. and bringing Beyond the Box to Montrose.

All local artists are encouraged to apply, and may do so either as a solo artist or as a part of a group.

“We’ll take as many entries as we can,” said Glendale Library Arts & Culture Supervisor Charles Wike, though the commission will have to narrow submissions down to 11 applicants. Submissions are being accepted through Sept. 12 when the call for artists will close.

The Montrose Beyond the Box mural project will take place on Oct. 25 when 11 city owned utility boxes along Montrose and Honolulu avenues will be transformed into neighborhood art.

The Big Draw L.A. invites anyone to organize or host a Big Draw L.A. event during the month of October. This mural project will be one of the events this year.

The Arts and Culture Commission originally designed this Beyond the Box event as a way to promote and support public art programs as well as to brighten and enhance the neighborhood through artistic murals. Aside from the original creators, the Beyond the Box project is also supported by the City of Glendale and the Urban Art Program.

While only 11 entries will be chosen, that doesn’t mean that only 11 artists can participate.

“We’ve had high school art classes, a tattoo shop and individual artists submit in the past,” explained Wike.

Artists must submit a picture with their application of how they plan to decorate the utility box in order to be considered.

“The theme is pretty wide open,” added Wike. “The Big Draw L.A. simply encourages drawing.”

To learn more about the requirements and how to get involved, visit the City of Glendale website and find “artist opportunities” at http://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/library-arts-culture/arts-culture-commission/artist-opportunities.

The boxes from the previous Beyond the Box mural project can also be viewed on the City website at http://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/library-arts-culture/arts-culture-commission/beyond-the-box-utility-box-murals#ad-image-11.

  Samantha SLAYBACK