For Immediate Release	Contact:	Kevin Smith
June 27, 2003		619-236-6616

Councilmember Frye Oversees Utility Box Art Program

Art will contribute to the beautification of Linda Vista Road

San Diego, CA- On Saturday, June 28, 2003, throughout the entire day, Councilmember Donna Frye will oversee the coordinated painting of utility boxes by professional artists up and down Linda Vista Road between Comstock Street and Genesee Avenue. The artists will be adhering to a multi-cultural theme in their work. Approximately 13 boxes will be painted as part of the project. The boxes will continue to be painted throughout July.

"This program is an easy and fun way to beautify and brighten our neighborhoods," commented Councilmember Frye, "By transforming plain utility boxes, which are often targets for graffiti, into works of art we help to create a sense of pride for the community." The common thread carried across on each utility box is particular to each neighborhood participating in the program. The multi-cultural theme for the utility box art reflects the many cultures that exist and cross paths in the Linda Vista community.

Councilmember Frye contributed $10,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to the project. "Involvement and participation by local community members has been crucial to the success of this effort," stated Frye, "Public participation is always important in making these neighborhood projects successful." Three boxes in front of the Linda Vista Elementary School Annex have already been painted by local students, while members of local community groups have helped pinpoint locations for the artists to paint boxes and have worked closely to coordinate the event.

Councilmember Frye has worked closely with the Youth Leadership Network in an effort to beautify District Six neighborhoods by employing local artists to create public art. The Youth Leadership Network's mission is to mobilize youth by developing community awareness through need assessment and to inspire community involvement by active participation and the development of solutions.

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