'FuseArt Statesville' Project Unveils Opportunity for Creative Transformation of Electrical Boxes into Community Landmarks

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Statesville, North Carolina | Update 12/01/2023

The City of Statesville is undergoing a transformation thanks to a visionary initiative funded by ElectriCities. What were once nondescript electrical boxes are now evolving into stunning landmarks, elevating the streets and sidewalks with artistic flair. Nine of these structures have received a makeover, a canvas for the creative minds and skilled hands of artists who responded enthusiastically to our call.

With over 30 captivating designs submitted, the project's organizing committee, a blend of city representatives, arts advocates, and community leaders, has the delightful task of selecting the most compelling artworks. This collaborative effort, encompassing talents from various spheres, promises to infuse our City with an aesthetic that captivates residents and visitors alike, affirming Statesville as a hub of artistic ingenuity and community pride.

Congratulations to these winners:

Patrick Harris
Ashley Hook
Mandi Rae Corper
Joey Dill
Xochitl Koppelmeyer

Joey Dill

My name is Joey Dill, owner and artist of Studio 73. I was born and raised in Statesville and inherited my love of art from my late Father, Tommy Stewart of Tommy’s Sign Shop. I work as a full-time artist, painting murals all over North Carolina for Pepsi as well as painting murals for businesses, churches, schools, and homes. I also create commissioned art pieces in acrylic, pencil, watercolor, and more. I sell ceramic pieces and other artsy items in my Etsy shop, Studio73Carolina. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love and share it with my hometown!

Mandi Rae Corper

Mandi Rae Corper is primarily an oil painter that also works with many other mediums including mosaics and fashion apparel. Her work is designed to awaken the senses through color, form, and texture dancing energetically across the canvas making you feel happy. Mandi Rae Art can be seen all over downtown Statesville, but is mainly displayed and for sale along with other merchandise at Wine Maestro on Broad Street. You can also follow her on Instagram @MandiRaeArt

Patrick Harris

Patrick, a graphic pop artist, has been immersed in the creative scene across North Carolina for many years. His artistic journey involves transforming the remnants and overlooked elements of pop culture into vibrant expressions to bring around a little brightness to the world.

Ashley Hook

From childhood, art has played a huge role in my life but it has been my experience teaching high school art that has really strengthened my interest in public art. As an artist, an educator, and a lover of the arts, I think it is so important to facilitate spaces for everyone to feel that visual art is an accessible source of inspiration, meditation, and joy. Having completed several murals around the campus of my school, I am very excited that my work will now also be on display in my home community and I will be able to share it with my husband and three children.

Xochitl Koppelmeyer

I’m Xochitl, a Texas native turned proud Statesville resident, wife to John Koppelmeyer, mother to Liliana, a current Statesville Greyhound, dedicated small business owner & art enthusiast! In this art piece “Breath of Life”, my aim was to highlight the enduring power of the Sun which radiates life into the elements above. The cardinal, a beacon of hope, set against an ombre backdrop represents the vibrant energy of midday to dawn & the transformative power of light and life. It's a minimalist piece that I hope resonates with viewers, warming their hearts and bringing just a small touch of beauty to their daily lives.

'FuseArt Statesville' Project Unveils Opportunity for Creative Transformation

Statesville, North Carolina | September 1, 2023

The City of Statesville is thrilled to announce the launch of the 'FuseArt Statesville' Project, an initiative that aims to elevate the city's aesthetic appeal while celebrating its rich culture and identity. Made possible by a generous grant from ElectriCities, this project looks to transform ordinary electrical boxes throughout our Downtown into captivating landmarks.

This endeavor seeks to foster a sense of pride and ownership among both residents and visitors by turning functional utility structures into eye-catching works of art. The initial goal of the project is to wrap eight electrical boxes across throughout Downtown Statesville, with the potential for further expansion in the future.

Project Description - Call For Artists

Open to artists, individuals, and organizations, the 'FuseArt Statesville' Project invites creative minds to submit visually appealing artwork and designs that will be transformed into wraps for the electrical boxes. These transformed structures will remain in place for a predetermined period, determined by collaboration between the City of Statesville and the Electrical Box Art project organizing committee.

The project adheres to the North Carolina Public Art in the Right of Way Policy, ensuring that the artworks contribute positively to the urban landscape. Furthermore, the project follows guidelines set by the City of Statesville and the provided documentation.

"We believe that these art wraps will not only enhance our community's identity but also enrich the spirit of our citizens," says Richard Griggs, Director of Recreation & Parks at the City of Statesville. "This project is an embodiment of our commitment to artistic expression and community pride."

Project Goals and Requirements

The FuseArt Statesville Project has a set of ambitious goals, including:

Enhancing the community identity of the City of Statesville.
Enriching the spirit and pride of residents.
Reflecting high standards of artistic creativity.

To ensure the success of these goals, the wraps are required to:

Allow for the free flow of traffic without compromising safety.
Remain free of branding, advertisements, controversial, or inflammatory images.
Include a waiver of artistic rights, allowing the City of Statesville to maintain and alter the wraps as needed.

Site Locations & Dimensions

Electrical boxes available for wrapping are strategically located throughout Downtown Statesville. The specific box locations will be chosen by the Electrical Box Art project organizing committee. The boxes' dimensions are predominantly 74”h x 48”w x 12”d or 78”h x 33”w x 24”d, with the chosen locations determining whether the artwork will be displayed on one or both sides.

Budget and Application Details

Artists selected for the project will receive a stipend of $200 for their contribution. To participate, interested individuals or groups are required to submit:

Website and/or social media links of the artist.
Artist rendition and written description of the Project Idea.

Submissions must be received by September 22, 2023.

For more information about the North Carolina Public Art in the Right of Way Policy and to submit your proposal, visit North Carolina Public Art on the Right of Way Policy.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to the FuseArt Statesville Project, please contact:

Richard Griggs

City of Statesville

Email: [email protected]

Join us in celebrating the fusion of art and community through the FuseArt Statesville Project. Let's transform our city into a canvas of creativity, pride, and identity.