Uptown Saint John Inc. (USJI) is pleased to present the fifth annual installment of the Uptown Box Art Program – an ongoing initiative designed to beautify public spaces, deter graffiti, uphold cultural diversification, and showcase local artistic talent. This year, artists will be transforming TWO utility boxes Uptown.
We will also be showcasing artistic interpretations of the “Integration” theme by 18 students from the Saint John area. We will be celebrating the unveiling of the boxes and student canvases on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in King’s Square between 1-3pm. Here, along with fun artistic entertainment, the students will be doing live painting, putting finishing touches on their canvases. Once complete, these canvases will be turned into vibrant banners, which will be installed on Princess Street for the summer months!
Program Background
2022 – The inaugural project was launched in 2022, featuring local artist Fabiola Martinez, who transformed a city traffic gearbox into a vibrant piece of public art. This initial installation received widespread community appreciation, bringing new visual energy and charm to the area.
2023 – Building on this success, the 2023 program expanded to include four additional traffic boxes. Three local artists, students from high schools and art schools, participated, guided once again by Fabiola Martinez. Through her strong connections to the local arts community and schools, she also engaged twenty students to each create a canvas expressing something meaningful to them. The 2023 project culminated in a public unveiling event in King’s Square, featuring live art, music, and dance. Students added final touches to their canvases during the event, and the finished works were later reproduced as banners and installed along Prince William Street. This addition to the program fostered a deeper sense of inclusion, creativity, and community pride.
2024 – The program continued to thrive, again incorporating student participation (banner installation) and two local artists. USJI collaborated with Saint John Energy to transform a large utility box at a prominent uptown intersection, prioritizing artist safety throughout the process. The completed artwork not only enhanced the space but also contributed to ongoing graffiti abatement, as artistically treated boxes have been shown to effectively deter vandalism.
2025 – Due to budget constraints, the program was scaled back to focus on a single installation. USJI commissioned Fabiola Martinez to create a new artwork for the traffic box at the top of King Street, replacing her original 2022 piece, which was removed due to nearby construction. This new mural reintroduces her distinctive cultural style and meaningful imagery to one of Uptown’s most visible corners, continuing the legacy of beauty and connection the program has established.
2026 – It’s all about bringing art to the streets of Uptown Saint John and community placemaking. Be sure to check out the cool street banners featuring student artwork this summer. It’s a great way to see how creativity can brighten up our city and bring us all together. Don’t miss out on this awesome display of community spirit and artistic talent! Join in the fun at the 2026 Uptown Art Box Celebration in King’s Square on May 23, 2026.
Happy To See You Here
The Uptown Box Art Program is part of Uptown Saint John Inc.’s ongoing commitment to placemaking, bringing colour, creativity, and local stories into our shared spaces. Through initiatives like this, we work alongside artists, students, and our broader business community to create an Uptown that feels welcoming, vibrant, and uniquely ours. Over 80% of our BIA members are independently owned, and supporting Uptown means supporting the people who help shape and care for these spaces every day.
