You’ve no doubt seen them, the colorful graphics adorning traffic and utility boxes throughout the city of San Luis Obispo. They’re part of the city’s Public Art Box Art Program originally managed by the Parks and Recreation Department and founded in 2010, making it the oldest utility box art program in California.
Launched as an anti-graffiti measure, the program was later adopted by the SLO City Council in 2016, and in 2025, it celebrated its 15th anniversary with more than 70 decorated boxes citywide. You can find a box art map on the city’s Parks and Recreation Department website.
You can join a walking tour of some of the boxes, starting in SLO Mission Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m. and on Wednesday, Oct. 14, meeting at 11 a.m.
Those who want to take the tour should register in advance by visiting the event page.
“Join Public Art Coordinator Amanda Grieshop for a walking tour of the downtown utility boxes. Learn about artists, see older and recently wrapped boxes, ask questions, and connect with other art enthusiasts!” according to organizers. Δ
Update: The city canceled the Oct. 3 meet the artists event, but is still hosting the box art walking tours. This blurb was updated to reflect the change.
This article appears in Sept 17-24, 2026.
