The Transformer Cabinet Murals project in Fort Collins is a creative placemaking initiative that transforms ordinary electrical utility boxes into vibrant works of public art. Launched by Art in Public Places (APP) in 2004, this ongoing program beautifies city infrastructure while promoting local artists and community identity. Key Features of the Project - Turning Utilities into Canvases More than 375 transformer cabinets across Fort Collins have been hand-painted with colorful, site-specific designs, turning eyesores into artistic landmarks. - Local Artist Engagement Each mural is designed and painted by local artists, selected through a competitive process. This empowers the creative community and fosters a sense of ownership and pride. - Graffiti Prevention The artwork also serves a functional purpose—reducing graffiti and vandalism on public utility boxes by turning them into respected visual art pieces. - Themes of Community & Nature Many murals reflect local culture, wildlife, history, and landscapes, helping reinforce Fort Collins’ unique identity and connection to place. - Accessible Public Art Scattered throughout parks, sidewalks, and intersections, the murals make art part of everyday life, accessible to all residents and visitors without needing to enter a gallery. Why It Matters The Transformer Cabinet Murals project shows how small-scale, low-cost interventions can have a big impact on placemaking, transforming the mundane into the memorable. It brings beauty, creativity, and local storytelling to the streets of Fort Collins—one utility box at a time.