The alliance has begun a new public art initiative that supports local artists.

CLEARWATER – The Clearwater Arts Alliance (CAA) recently announced the launch of “Thinking Outside the Box,” a new public art project.

The CAA engaged local artists to provide artwork that was then installed on signal boxes at various intersections.

The CAA commissioned artists Tim Boatright, Ya La’Ford and Ray Paul for the project’s first phase that includes seven art-wrapped signal boxes in and around Clearwater’s Downtown Cleveland Street District.

Upcoming phases of “Thinking Outside the Box” will feature the work of more artists and expand the number of boxes and the Clearwater neighborhoods covered.

Clearwater’s “Thinking Outside the Box” public art initiative is important because public art is important.

“The Clearwater Arts Alliance understands that art enhances the experience for our visitors and those living in Clearwater,” Boatright said. “The art displayed in our public places collectively help define the uniqueness of Clearwater and create a deeper interaction between the community and visitors and our environment.”

The project helps local artists by buying their work and providing them with valuable public exposure. “Thinking Outside the Box” brings artwork to unexpected public places, visually enhancing local intersections.

“This project takes these necessary but drab signal boxes and covers them with vibrant art,” CAA President Beth Daniels said. “Our local artists get to share their talent and an eyesore is turned into something colorful and exciting – that’s a real win-win.”

Artwork can now be found along Cleveland Street (at Osceola, Station Square Park, Myrtle, Martin Luther King Jr. and Missouri avenues) and at Drew Street at Osceola Avenue near the Main Library. CAA had support for this first phase from the Downtown Development Board. CAA looks forward to expanding the project into more neighborhoods in the near future.

The Clearwater Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit art support organization that has been serving the City of Clearwater and its citizens for two decades. Through a number of initiatives and special projects, the organization has become a catalyst that advocates, fosters and promotes cultural awareness and opportunities for all people in Clearwater. The Clearwater Arts Alliance works toward beautifying our city while providing public art for residents and visitors and supporting local artists.

For information about the CAA, go to clearwaterartalliance.org.

Photo courtesy of the city of Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District.

Clearwater Arts Alliance | Thinking Outside the Box | Public Art | Cleveland Street District | TB Reporter

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