Experience the remarkable artistry of local artists at the 2024 NOTL Hydro Box Beautification Competition exhibition, now on view at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s Walker Room Gallery from August 11 to October 21, 2024. This highly anticipated show, now in its 6th year, is presented in partnership with Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro. The group exhibit celebrates the artistic spirit of the Niagara Region through captivating designs aimed at converting everyday utility boxes into stunning works of art.
This year’s competition invited artists from across the Niagara Region to submit their designs, exploring themes such as nature, local history, and the sense of community. Three hydro boxes across town will be selected as canvases for these artistic transformations, turning functional hydro boxes into public art pieces.
In a true celebration of community involvement, visitors are encouraged to view the exhibition and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Voting is open in-person only through September 8, 2024, giving the public a chance to decide which artwork will receive this coveted honor. a jury will choose 2 other winning designs. The winning designs, including the People’s Choice, will be announced on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm.
For more details on the exhibition, visit the exhibit page here: niagarapumphouse.ca/exhibit/hydro-box-beautification-competition-2024.
Tim Curtis, President of NOTL Hydro, expressed his excitement, “Each year, the creativity of the artists involved in the Hydro Box Beautification Competition leaves me in awe. It’s incredible how these designs turn something ordinary into something extraordinary for our community. We’re thrilled to continue supporting this initiative, bringing both art and energy to public spaces in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”
Rima Boles, Director of the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, shared her enthusiasm, “By taking something as utilitarian as a hydro box and making it a canvas, we’re enhancing the community’s shared spaces in such a unique way. It’s a beautiful intersection of art and everyday life.”
The hydro boxes selected for the competition are located in the heart of local communities throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake including Virgil, St. Davids and Queenston. These transformed hydro boxes are set to be unveiled later this year. Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided tour of previously beautified hydro boxes using a map available by donation at the Niagara Pumphouse, just in time for Culture Days from September 30-October 13, 2024.
About Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is the art hub that connects our community by providing art for all. Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake (hence our name); the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre offers visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. We give back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
About Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro
Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro distributes power to 10,000 customers in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We are committed to operating as a sustainable high-performance, customer-driven business and to providing the highest standard in safety, service and reliability. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is the 100% shareholder of the corporation.
