Todos Santos Utility Box Art Project unveiled at Music and Market

Todos Santos Plaza has become much more colorful now that the Utility Box Art Project is complete. The City of Concord worked with the Concord Art Association to develop the theme of “Music and Market” to celebrate our popular downtown summer event. Five boxes were handpainted and six others were vinyl-wrapped with local artists’ designs.

At Salvio and Grant Streets, you’ll find Carissa Fei’s painterly “Electic Jazz & Jest Festival,” sponsored by Assemblyman Tim Grayson. Across Salvio is “String Quartet” by Renaye Johnson and Thea Jue, painted in recognition of Jim and Kathy Ocean for their years of work organizing Music and Market.

Near the clock tower is a trio of boxes painted by Jennifer Granat and Melissa Claros called “Cage Free Jazz Band of Six.” Sponsored jointly by Hop Grenade, Lima Restaurant and former Concord Mayor Ron Mullin, these colorful characters are sure to entertain.

To honor aRt Cottage owner Fro Schmidt, the box on Mt. Diablo Street near the children’s playground was designed by watercolorist Sharon Petersen. At the corner of Mt. Diablo and Willow Pass, you’ll spot a familiar Concord landmark in “Sweet Rhythm,” designed by Denise Hillman and sponsored by the Concord Masonic Family, Free and Accepted Masons, Eastern Star and Rainbow for Girls.

Pat Calabro designed “Floating Notes” across Willow Pass, which was dedicated to the memory of Esther Pochini. On the west side of the plaza, local publisher Get Out Books sponsored Janet Brown’s box, “Wonder Dogs.” Right beside that is “Precious Moments,” created by Samineh Perryman and sponsored by the Koch CPA Firm.

Music Meets Market

Last but not least, the Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market sponsored the box at the corner of Willow Pass and Grant called “Music Meets Market,” designed by Chris Ball.

“This public art project was managed with more than 2000 volunteer hours over the last year,” says CAA President Catherine Hensiek. “Awards and expenses were funded by a combination of public and private sponsors, donations from CAA and the Concord Historical Society, along with money from the City’s Public Art Fund. I’m so grateful to our supporters and very proud of our project committee and the artists. We’ve all worked really hard to bring this vision to life,” she continues. “We hope Concord residents and visitors will enjoy these vibrant works of art for years to come. CAA has been here supporting local artists since 1963 and now we are a stronger asset for our community at large as well.”

Visit ConcordArtAssociation.org to learn more.