New art coming to art boxes downtown

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A well-known area artist has decided it is time to update the art box displays situated in the downtown area. Six boxes were installed about two years ago by the Arts and Visual Enhancement Committee (AVEC), a committee of council that has since disbanded.

"It wasn't going anywhere," said Francis Muscat, explaining AVEC's demise. He has taken it upon himself to install new works of art in the boxes. To that end, he has contacted a number of local artists to provide new works.

He said the art boxes were part of a move to put local art works in the public eye, with Fly Freeman's Story in Stone, a large sculpture in front of the township offices, being the major piece.

Of the six boxes, only one will not have its art piece changed. The box in front of the post office will continue to show the work of Viktor Tinkl. He said the original artists will have their artwork returned, and he has agreement in principle from other artists to lend their pieces to the project. Muscat was one of the original artists but said he will not take one of the boxes this time

Muscat said he didn't seek permission from the township to change the artworks.

"I just let them know I was doing it," he remarked.

Muscat said he would love to see the art box project expanded to private properties if possible.

Muscat said he and also is looking into the possibility of having small solar panels affixed to the boxes so that they can be illuminated at night, but to do that he is looking for possible sponsors.

Anyone wishing to be a sponsor can contact Muscat at glassguy@andrewswireless.net.