Arts Arlington - 250: A Utility Box Program

Laura Buscemi is a multimedia illustrator and designer from the greater Boston area who enjoys introducing vibrant, surrealistic, and playful visuals into daily life. She received her BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2024 and has been utilizing the quality of human touch in her work as she advances her career. No matter the medium she decides to work with, her style of texture based mark making remains prevalent and is a reflection of the craftsmanship involved with each piece. Blending what is real with what is imagined, she allows the viewer to perceive their surroundings in a different light. One way she connects with her audience is through public artworks where she helps to transform neighborhoods and engage with the public. Her work can be found throughout the city of Boston and beyond since focusing on large scale paintings in 2021. In 2022 she worked with the GN Crew to paint a 3 story mural inside the main atrium of MassArt to help inspire students and guests entering the campus. That same year she participated in the Paintbox program through the City of Boston where she designed and installed an original sunflower artwork on a utility box to liven up what is normally a dull, gray cube. In 2023 she helped install 3 murals on the MassArt campus after receiving design input from different departments. In 2024 she assisted with the installation of a mural on the walls and ceiling of a newly constructed carousel house at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, MA to bring an enchanting animal atmosphere to those on the ride. She then received the Vice President’s Award from MassArt for her illustration displayed in the All School Show gallery and earned the Illustration Departmental Award from the same institution. When she’s not creating artwork for the public, she is working with clients as a freelance illustrator where she enjoys the variety of creative opportunities that come her way. With every project she expands her knowledge and techniques as there are always new variables to take into consideration. Her body of work and collection of portfolios can be viewed on her website (laurabuscemiart.com) or on her Instagram page (@the.angelic.artist).

Florence

Primarily an illustrator, I’ve expanded between multiple mediums over the last 5 years and now focus my creative energy on painting and playing music. I live in Somerville, MA where I continue my painting practice within the hallowed halls of the Vernon Street Studios. Since 2017, I’ve continued to work as a professional art handler within museums around New England, and far beyond. When I’m not working, I seek local, community-based art initiatives that help express the range of ideas and talent held within our colleagues and neighbors – I believe everyone has a well of artistic strength that often goes ignored unless it’s nurtured and explored.

The Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture invited artists to submit original designs on the theme “As We Turn 250.” We asked artists to consider the issues and people who lived during this revolutionary period. What are their untold stories? And we ask you, too: As we move forward in time, how do we frame the narrative about how liberty and freedom changed our country, and all of our people? . The Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture invited artists to submit original designs on this theme of “Untold Stories.” The selected artists took it from there, making their vision come to life and transforming the dull metal boxes into inspiring pieces of art. The coordination, logistics, and promotion are all handled by Laurie Bogdan, an Arlington artist who has led this effort since 2021.

“I believe everyone can create, and every home should include original art. The thing that gives art value is the feeling it creates inside you when you see it – that feeling can be priceless – every home should include that feeling.”

Mike Ewing is a contemporary artist and revolutionary war buff who lives with his wife in Harvard, MA. As an artist he is interested in many forms of expression with inspirations from nature, urban art, functional design and cartography. He describes the driving force of his art as abstracted representationalism… sometimes illustration… also absurd juxtaposition. Usually, the form is recognizable, often iconic. The surrounding chaos, color and pattern may (or may not) be held-together by the iconic shape. Sometimes tongue-in-cheek or even silly, Mike believes the finished product should provoke a smile, or a thought, maybe both; but, it shouldn’t take itself too seriously.

Inspired by thousands of un-named writers and urban artists as well as those better known names in contemporary art and design. Basquiat, Barbara Kruger, Shepard Fairey and Mel Buchner are just a few of hundreds worth naming. Mike’s work includes pieces from abstract all the way to functional design and illustration. Adding color to the canvas is only part of the process, Mike enjoys the planning, drafting, stencil & plate making as those are the steps that lead to a satisfying composition.