Maricopa's Traffic Signal Boxes Transform into Artistic Masterpieces as Local Talent Flourishes

The streets of Maricopa are about to get a lot less drab, thanks to the local artists who've been hard at work under the Traffic Signal Box Art Program, ammunition for the city's visual aesthetic; part of a citywide initiative that kicked off in 2021 and has since been steadily turning mundane traffic signal boxes into canvases to showcase regional talent and the natural beauty of Arizona. Among the talents is Sara Maldonado, whose "Untamed Beauty" at the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway and Porter Road depicts wild horses and the desert vistas, illuminated by an Arizona sunset, a nod to her daily commute on State Route 347 where, according to a recent interview, Maldonado finds inspiration even amidst the frustrating traffic, especially with the sight of wild horses which, "reminds me that even though the traffic isn’t great, I love living down here," as per the City of Maricopa.

The Traffic Signal Box Art Program has seen a range of local artists impart their vision onto these metallic canvases across Maricopa, Bonnie Del Turco created "Our Beautiful Desert," inspired by the city's skies, from starry nights to the "simple growing organic shapes" of the desert landscape, Del Turco's box is a slice of the vast sky grounded at the SW corner of John Wayne Pkwy and Smith-Enke Rd, in her words, "It's such a blessing to see my box and all the other beautifully painted ones scattered through the city for people to enjoy." In the case of Jennifer Ressmann, whose "Colorful Maricopa" graces the NW corner of White & Parker Rd & Honeycutt Rd, it's the colors and experiences of Arizona that fuel her creative process and the soundtrack to her work veers towards country tunes or the narrative richness of podcasts or audiobooks, as detailed by the City of Maricopa.

January's selection of ten new artists has extended the program's reach and showcases an eclectic mix of styles and personal experiences, from Cindey Reyes's reflection on life's seasons, with her box "Seasons Change" found at the NW corner of Smith-Enke & Chase/Homestead, to Mecca Hunter's "Evening Stroll," at the NW corner of Bowlin Rd & White & Parker Road, which blends her cartoon brand with Maricopa's setting, the diversity of the artworks reflects a melding of personal influence and local charm, creating a stunning outdoor gallery free for the public's consumption and appreciation, according to the City of Maricopa.

Artist Isabelle Ulibarri's "Blue Bliss," inspired by her love for the ocean, adds a splash of serenity at the SE corner of Honeycutt Rd & Rancho Mirage, while Sara Maldonado's contribution stands as a reminder of the "collective experience as a community" that she cherishes, these murals serve not just as beautification projects, but also as symbols of the resident artists' connection and commitment to their home, further enriched by their music selections ranging from the classics like The Beatles to the inventive score of "Great Fairy Fountain" from Legend of Zelda lauded by artist Kimberly Mask, for her "Stardrop Rain on the Desert" at the SW corner of Porter Rd & Applegate, as per the City of Maricopa.

With murals titled "Nearly Home" and "Sun Dust," artists Jessica Mriss and Anisa Riley Burke add their touch to this ongoing project which, in the words of Burke in an interview, strives to "beautify the city and create artwork for the community," highlighting that Maricopa's town spirit is indeed as vivid and unique as the art it now hosts, each piece stands testament to personal journeys and shared experiences, a concrete gallery that's literally and figuratively supporting the daily commute of its citizens.