The Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), in partnership with Experience Mount Vernon, has just launched an exciting Downtown Utility Box Art Project, transforming everyday street fixtures into vibrant storytellers.
Installed this morning, you might have already spotted the first one! Located at the corner of North Main and Chestnut Street, the inaugural utility box, depicts some of the lush and vibrant green spaces that surround Mount Vernon. “In celebration of the Knox County Park District 30th Anniversary, we wanted this (big) box to really capture the native flora and fauna of our area,” said Olivia Toth, Marketing Manager of the Knox County CVB. “Mount Vernon and Knox County is revered for its dedication to our rural charm and land preservation. This box celebrates all our green space partners that have made an impact on keeping our trails, rivers and parks so beautiful”.
And this is just the beginning, as over ten utility boxes across downtown are set to be transformed over the next year.
More Than Just Art: A Journey Through Time
Each wrapped utility box won't just be a pretty picture; it will be a visual narrative, depicting significant people, places, and moments that have shaped Mount Vernon's past and present. Imagine pausing on your stroll to learn about a local legend or a pivotal event, all illustrated right before your eyes!
"We are incredibly excited to bring this vision to life," says Toth. "This project is about celebrating our collective history and making it accessible and engaging for everyone. This creative endeavor also plays a role in the upcoming America 250-Ohio statewide celebrations in 2026; offering a unique way to blend our untold stories with public art.”
Local Talent, Community Heart
Tapped to bring these stories to life is talented local artist Emily Morrison (@emilymorrisonarts). "We’re excited to have Emily on this project because she has volunteered her artistic talents and photography for many events and organizations throughout our community," Toth shared. Emily's unique style and vibrant work are sure to make these historical narratives truly pop!
“I am honored to work with the CVB and EMV on such a fun project for Mount Vernon,” said Morrison. “We’ve collaboratively researched a lot of stories and ideas for this project and I think all the topics and stories we’ve chosen thus far really shine a light on our creative and innovative community.”
This initiative is a true testament to our strong community spirit. "Experience Mount Vernon is thrilled to partner with the CVB on a project that beautifies our downtown in such a creative way," adds Lacey Filkins, Director of Experience Mount Vernon. "These art boxes will not only enhance our streetscape but also provide new points of interest for both locals and visitors."
Funding the Future of Art & History
This ambitious project is made possible through funding from the Knox County CVB and Experience Mount Vernon, with additional support from a grant by the Ariel Foundation.
Once completed, these art boxes will be a highlight of the Knox County CVB’s coming soon, interactive Mount Vernon Art & History Trail. "Our plan is that by 2026, there will be a brand-new way to experience so many of our untold stories, historic gems and public art in downtown," Toth revealed.
So, next time you're downtown, keep an eye out for these incredible transformations. Get ready to explore, learn, and fall even more in love with the creativity in Mount Vernon, one utility box at a time!
Final Thought: Look closer…
Next time you’re walking downtown make sure to stop at the corner of North Main and Chestnut Street. And while enjoying the art is the goal, we invite you to step closer and see if you can find all the hidden flora and fauna throughout the design. Happy Searching and stayed tuned for more!
Complete Flora + Fauna List
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Gayfeather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
West Virginia white (Pieris virginiensis)
Golden Northern Bumble Bee (Bombus fervidus)
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Various Pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.)
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Spatterdock Darner Rhionaeschna mutata)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Spinulose Wood Fern (Dryopteris carthusiana)
North American Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
