Temple City honors artists who transformed 26 utility boxes downtown

Temple City on Oct. 7 recognized local artists who turned 26 downtown utility boxes into public artworks as part of the Lost Tunis Streetscape effort.

Scott, who introduced the project at the council meeting, said the program complements other streetscape improvements and was driven by a partnership with nonprofit 11‑11 Projects. "By dedicating public resources to public art, you've ensured that our downtown would not only function better, but would stand as a welcoming, vibrant, and distinctly Temple City space," Scott said. He told the council that 11‑11 Projects reviewed more than 150 artist submissions and paired local students with professional artists in a mentorship program.

Council members praised the results and noted strong community interest. One council member pointed out a cluster of decorated boxes along Ensenita that draws attention during neighborhood walks. The council thanked 11‑11 Projects’ Executive Director Aaron Stone and programs staff listed in the meeting as Megan (name in the transcript appears variably as "Megan Kingston" and "Megan Pinkston"). The city read the names of participating artists and student mentees, including Faith Feliciano, Vivian Rodriguez, Sophia/Sophia Guo (transcript variants), Jessica Guo, Jason Chang, Omar Mahia, Sarah Evans, Pablo Azar, Annabelle Whan and Stephanie Valdivia.

The recognition included individual certificates and a group photo with council members. City officials said the art project is intended to encourage school visits and walking tours and to add cultural character to the downtown corridor.

The council’s recognition was ceremonial; no funding action or legislative change was recorded during the meeting.