Local artists are brightening up downtown Aurora's utility boxes

A handful of bright and colorful utility boxes are turning heads in downtown Aurora.

Aurora Downtown's Streetscape Committee is sponsoring four of the utility boxes. The project is led by Aurora Public Art with additional boxes sponsored by businesses and members of the city council.

Of the four boxes sponsored by Aurora Downtown, one located at the southwest corner of New York and River streets is complete. The box, "Bloom Where You're Planted" was painted by local artist Laura Kubicek of Laura Lynne Art, and it includes an interactive element. Visitors to the box are invited to share photos using hashtag #bloomaurorail.

Also complete is a utility box depicting a native black raspberry bush at the northwest corner of Galena and Broadway by Aurora artist Brittany Tripp. Visitors to the box are invited to share photos using hashtag #growwildaurora.

Two other boxes will soon be painted by West High student Lulu Gloria and local artist Kit Sunderland.

Additional painted utility boxes are located in front of Waubonsee Community College on River Street, on the southwest corner of Benton and Broadway, and near the U.S. Post Office on Broadway north of downtown. This year, the project will introduce about eight painted boxes in or near downtown Aurora.

For more information, visit www.auroradowntown.org.