On my walk over to the library, under murky skies, I noticed that all signs of the July Fourth celebrations are gone. Poof, like they never even happened. Many people were at the community center dropping off their kids for one of the various summer programs. I could see the stress on their faces. Will they be happy? Will they be well cared for? I can remember long summers when I had no choice but to put my children into those programs. Whether they wanted to go or not. And that was before all the school shootings.
I also noticed that the utility box across the street from the library is now completely decorated. Above is the front panel. Mr. Fox having a cup of coffee (maybe a latte?) while an owl watches from above. It looks like the artist used the hills separating the town from the Berkeley campus as the backdrop. Pretty nifty.
On the other side is a natty raccoon and his dapper friend. I have no idea why they are on a ladder. What do you think?
Remember the hare? Both he and the raccoon seem to be gathering food in the wild (not that my town is wild) while the fox just walked across the street and bought a coffee at the library cafe.
Across the street, another utility box got the treatment. It looks better than a plain metal box would but I think I prefer the whimsy.
The mural on the library and the whimsical utility boxes are only the first steps in an effort to “artify” the town. I can’t wait to see what they do to the service station! Dinosaurs, perhaps?
Idealized version of the town … on the side of the drug store.
I love the idea of painting utility boxes and must say these are particularly well done. A few years ago, a group in my town got a grant to paint utility boxes and they’re lovely, but not as cool as the ones in your town, Jan!
There are probably only a few weeks in March when the hills are that green, it’s true. However when I first moved to California the green would last into July.
Wow, this artwork is truly stunning, Jan. I like every one of these and you’re right, the whimsical creatures add the nicest touch. Wonderful hillside painting too.
Saying nothing in particular 
Stunning art to distract you 💜💜
There is a lot of art in town. I’m very happy for that. Hope you’re having a lovely summer!
Thank you it is not too bad thank you 💜💜
Love the raccoon and his top hatted friend. As for the ladder, they need it for picking the raspberries.
😉
Could be – raspberries bushes can get quite tall around here.
I like the art and you and I are on the same page today with the artistic power doors. 🙂
janet
Anything that brings a smile these days!
I love the idea of painting utility boxes and must say these are particularly well done. A few years ago, a group in my town got a grant to paint utility boxes and they’re lovely, but not as cool as the ones in your town, Jan!
The utility box with the whimsical animals is across the street from a park and the community center, so the theme is perfect.
The last image looks more like Devon than your neck of the woods. You’ll need a bit more rain, methinks. Nice idea though.
There are probably only a few weeks in March when the hills are that green, it’s true. However when I first moved to California the green would last into July.
How the world turns..
Today I feel like the fox. I’d rather set aside the projects I should be completing and relax with a cup of coffee.
I am glad to have followed some of the work to “artify” the town
The quality is good (sometimes this is mot the case)
😊
Hi Jan, these paintings are wonderful, how fortunate you are. I like Mr Fox best and he is a good rendition as he doesn’t seem to have a tail.
They are a lot better than plain metal utility boxes, that’s for sure!
Wow, they’ve made a lot of progress! It looks fabulous now 😀
Wow, this artwork is truly stunning, Jan. I like every one of these and you’re right, the whimsical creatures add the nicest touch. Wonderful hillside painting too.
Art like that gives a person the chance to stop and smile instead of being constantly on the move. Thanks for stopping by Orinda!