Electrical boxes in Galt Gardens get a makeover from local artists

Electrical boxes around Galt Gardens have been redesigned with new vinyl art displays thanks to some local artists. It’s all in the efforts to spruce up the downtown, while giving artists a place to show off their work. 

The project is in partnership between the Allied Arts Council, Public Art Committee and the City of Lethbridge. Executive Director of the Allied Arts Council, Suzanne Lint, says the project has received lots of positive feedback so far. 

A call to local artists went out in the spring of 2020, which brought in 34 submissions, with the top six being chosen including Leila Armstrong who designed the Backyard Wilderness box on the corner of 1 Ave and 7 Street South. She says her design was inspired by urban wildlife that is found in and around Lethbridge. 

Aside from redesigning the boxes, Armstrong says it’s a way to spark up a conversation.

One of the biggest challenges the group faced throughout the project was the famous Lethbridge wind.

The council says the vinyl wrap not only beautifies the electrical boxes, but also serves as a shield to protect them from the elements, leading to a longer life span. 

Other artists include Rudy Black Plume, Hali Heavy Shield, Wayne Dwornik, Aaron Hagan and Franziska Legge. All six boxes are located around Galt Gardens.