Altadena to cover 10 utility boxes in art via $59,000 county grant

Los Angeles County approved a $59,000 grant to transform utility infrastructure in Altadena into public art displays.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to fund a project led by local muralist Austin Scott. The initiative targets 10 street utility boxes that were left gray and exposed following the Eaton fire of Jan. 7-8, 2025. Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes Altadena, sponsored the motion. The project partners the county’s Departments of Arts and Culture and Public Works to create what the county describes as its first utility box artwork project in the area.

Scott, 41, stated that the boxes are currently five feet tall and two feet wide gray structures that look ugly. He noted that while nearby communities like Pasadena and Monrovia have utilized utility boxes for art, Altadena has not. Many local artists lost their homes and materials in the fire. Scott aims to use the brief moments residents spend at traffic lights to provide a visual break from the gray metal. The county has identified 10 specific locations for the artwork, distributing them throughout the community so that each box features a different artist’s design.

The project aligns with ongoing recovery efforts in the unincorporated community. The county has issued approximately 3,700 building permits since the fire, with more than 220 homes completing construction. Barger reported that the art installation will coincide with these restoration milestones. Scott has been involved in community murals in Altadena since 2025, completing nine pieces including a 900-square-foot mural at George’s Corner Store with over 100 volunteers. His previous work appears at Unincorporated Coffee Roasters, Webster’s Community Pharmacy, and Alma Fuerte Public School.

Scott began conceptualizing the utility box project a year ago. His initial design concept included a cartoon bear, a character that frequently appears in his work. For the final execution, each selected artist will create a design on vinyl. Public Works will then wrap the vinyl onto the boxes. Scott said the materials are durable and will last a minimum of five years.

Scott will coordinate the process with the county to select the participating artists and a central theme. The county’s Arts and Culture department will make the final selection. Scott hopes to have the artists chosen by January 2027, which marks the two-year anniversary of the Eaton fire. The county reported that the goal is to offer professional opportunities to Altadena artists and create a welcoming atmosphere for residents moving back.