Have you noticed that Campbell has gotten a bit more beautiful lately? It’s thanks to “Art Outside the Box,” a beautification project undertaken by the City of Campbell’s Civic Improvement Commission (CCIC), which has turned common utility boxes into beautiful outdoor art.

Project Manager Alan Zisser realized at the outset that the Campbell Artists’ Guild would be the perfect partner to help develop and launch the program. At his request, four Guild members formed a volunteer committee to work with the CCIC: Armidia Costello, Sharon La Bouff, Amy-Elyse Neer and Barbara Weiss.

After nearly 150 hours of both weekly planning sessions and additional production work outside of the meetings, Guild members created the “Call to Artists”invitations incorporating artwork by Amy-Elyse Neer. Invitations were distributed to relevant locations identified by the Guild to ensure artists throughout Santa Clara County were aware of the opportunity.

The response from local artists was overwhelming. Nearly 50 concept drawings were received from approximately 40 applicants. “Selecting only a few from all of the impressive submissions was a very difficult task,” said Armidia Costello. But select they did, and as of this week there are six beautifully painted utility boxes in and around downtown Campbell. Four more paintings are in the works. To find the locations of these painted boxes, log onto https://www.facebook.com/CampbellCAArtOutsidetheBox.

“The Guild’s Art Box Committee contributed to the planning, research, materials and color consultations, document development and technical information. Members continue to volunteer to clean and prime the boxes prior to painting by the artists. The Guild also contributed financially to this successful program and sponsored one of the boxes,” said Barbara Weiss, then President of the Guild. “With Phase 1 nearly complete, the Guild’s committee is looking forward to working with the CCIC on Phase 2, which may include an additional 10 utility boxes spread throughout the City.”

Campbell Artists’ Guild is please to present its 17th Annual Art Show at the Triton Museum of Art located in Santa Clara, CA. Gallery will be open Saturdays and Sundays from noon-4:00 p.m. through the month of August.

Join us on Sunday, August 2 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for our Open Reception when delicious refreshments, festive music, a chance to win the door prize, awards will be presented, and vote for your favorite piece of art will be among the festivities. A fun event for the entire family.