FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2020
Fourth Art Traffic Box Unveiled in Opelousas
(Opelousas, LA) – A fourth art wrapped traffic signal box was unveiled today in Opelousas. Part of the city’s Boxed Art project, which uses metal traffic boxes as canvases for art, the latest box features art by Ke’Shawn Collins. A 2020 graduate of MACA High School, Collins’ design features Opelousas gold Olympian Rodney Milburn. The box is located at the intersection of North Railroad Avenue and West Church Street.
Boxed Art transforms ordinary metal traffic boxes into creative canvases for art. The boxes showcase the community’s character and culture and help to enliven public spaces. The project is one of the activities for the City’s 300-year celebration.
Collins, who is a 2020 graduate of Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts, began painting at the age of thirteen. He says his interest in art was cultivated with the encouragement and support from his mom, Lena Collins. His goal is to attend college for business and showcase his art creations in his own art studio. Along with painting, he enjoys volunteer opportunities and has participated in various community events. He is also a member of St. Landry Interact Rotary Club and Bully Box, an organization that raises awareness and offers support related to bully prevention.
Led by Opelousas Tourism and the Celebrate Opelousas 300 Commission, with support from the City of Opelousas, one of the goals of the Boxed Art project is to enliven community space while showcasing the talent of artists in our area. A total of ten boxes are targeted for the project over the next two years.
Three art wrapped traffic boxes have already been completed and unveiled. The box locations include Wallior and Vine and Landry Streets which was designed by artist Jerome Ford, Court and Landry Street, which was designed by artist Sue Boagni and Union and Dunbar Streets which features art by B.J. Smith.
Funding for the project is made possible through a grant from Union Pacific Foundation which was secured by Opelousas Tourism. For more information about Boxed Art, email tourism@cityofopelousas.com
Last modified: June 21, 2022
