(Richmond, Texas)- Several years ago, the City of Richmond set out to enhance its streetscapes by transforming twenty-four TxDOT utility boxes throughout the city with custom art wraps. As the initiative took shape, local Catapult Gallery owner and artist Carmen Flores, offered to help lead a call for local artists to submit artwork for potential installation on the utility boxes in the historic district.
From the submissions received, the Richmond Historic Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board selected seven pieces from five local artists: Carmen Flores, Elizabeth Marie, Sarah Beth Baca, Michelle Florence, and Sydney Archer. Each selected piece has now been produced and installed as a vibrant wrap around a utility box in the historic district and around the City. Visitors can scan the QR codes displayed on these installations to learn more about each artist through brief interviews embedded online. Mayor Becky Haas was present as the first art wrap was installed and shared her appreciation “We are very grateful to these local artists willing to share their talent with City residents and anyone who visits historic Downtown Richmond.”
The other seventeen art wraps were chosen by the Parks Board from a selection of designs provided by staff. These art-wrapped utility boxes enrich the visual character of Richmond’s streets and reinforce the city’s commitment to beautification—an effort that contributed to Richmond earning the 2025 Scenic City of the Year designation from Scenic Texas last month.
