By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Main Street Warsaw officials hoped to find two artists to provide uplifting messages for a mural project on utility boxes, and it appears they succeeded.
On Wednesday, officials gathered at two spots along Center Street to unveil artwork by Lia Geiger and Amani Rodriguez that will grace the downtown.
The utility boxes are along Center Street in downtown and are the start of the emerging cultural arts district, according to Terry Sweeney, Main Street Warsaw Downtown Development Director.
Main Street Warsaw partnered with the Warsaw Public Arts Commission on the project.
Sweeney said the committee wanted entries to have a welcoming, uplifting and positive vibe.
Geiger’s artwork is set on a blue sky and includes the phrase, “Know love and share it,” and the entry by Rodriguez features a hip-looking frog holding a drink in one and hand and a sign in the other that reads, “Enjoy the moment.”
The 35-year-old Geiger admitted during her brief presentation that at one point she almost gave up trying to come up with a concept.
“The only reason I submitted anything was because of the kindness and encouragement from someone, and that really inspired the work,” she said.
“I hope it inspires the people who see it to share kindness and encouragement to those around them.
Rodriguez, a recent graduate of Warsaw High School, talked about his inspiration.
“I hope the community can look at this piece and kind of find joy in it and also relate to it,” he said.
“I’m really blessed and happy that I’m able to do this for you guys,” he said.
Blue River Digital employees transformed the work onto wraps and then applied it earlier this week.
Fifteen artists submitted entries for the project, and officials say they plan to do more similar projects in the future.
