[0:01] - [Leon] There's something really powerful [0:03] about sharing artwork for artwork's sake. [0:06] - [Kathryn] The Art Box program is one of our [0:09] initiatives from the Office of Creative Placemaking [0:12] where we wrap art around metal utility boxes. [0:16] - I think the art box is amazing. [0:18] They give a lot of artists opportunity to show their work. [0:24] - So I lived in Bloomington during the pandemic. [0:28] Someone just told me, oh, [0:30] there's this art box opportunity, [0:32] and I had obviously seen them around. [0:35] I was just like, oh, that's so cool. [0:38] - The reason for doing art boxes throughout the city [0:41] is to put art in surprising places. [0:44] It creates a touch of whimsy and fun throughout the city. [0:48] When you're out driving or walking around, [0:50] it gives you an element of surprise. [0:52] - That picture was one of time I was walking [0:56] through Nine Mile Creek. [0:57] I saw a bird fly from the grass, so I feel so beautiful. [1:02] That's how I created that picture. [1:04] - I had been doing a lot of watercolor [1:06] throughout the pandemic on my roof in Mexico [1:09] and then also then back in Bloomington. [1:12] Just like really a meditative art, [1:14] and I was just really attracted [1:16] to doing like really peaceful things [1:20] with like not a lot of harsh lines. [1:22] - I think life is not only about living, [1:25] it's about creative. [1:26] Doesn't matter you have that gift to drawing [1:30] or to play music or to write. [1:31] The most important is you create some stuff [1:34] from your own spirit. [1:36] - There's something so amazing about people being able [1:39] to view artwork for free and in their communities [1:43] and made by a community member. [1:46] - It doesn't have to be someone with a regular practice. [1:49] It's also just a great way for anyone [1:53] to first get into public art, [1:55] but whether you're a Bloomington resident, a new artist, [1:58] or someone who's been practicing for a long time, [2:00] we encourage you to apply for the Art Box program. [2:04] It's fun, it's easy. [2:06] - I think that's very good project [2:08] for the city, for the community. [2:09] - I think that it's just really sweet [2:11] that people can interact with that.