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The six artists whose artworks will grace traffic signal cabinets around Brownsville have been announced by the city and the Brownsville Beautification Committee.
The winners of the 2024 Traffic Signal Cabinet Artwork Wrap Program competition are Jasmine Aguilar, Juan Almaguer, Jonathan Barrera, Rene Cardenas, Eddie Del Angel and Josie Del Castillo. The initiative, launched in June, invited local artists to submit designs “to transform ordinary traffic signal cabinets into vibrant works of public art” while showcasing local artists’ talent and celebrating Brownsville’s natural beauty, history and culture, according to the city.
Submitting artists were encouraged to consider local context for each location where cabinets are to be wrapped: at 26th Street and Southmost Road in District 1; Boca Chica Boulevard and Minnesota Road, and Padre Island Highway and Coffee Port Road, in District 2; Paredes Line Road and Event Center Boulevard, and East Ringgold and East 6th streets, in District 3; and West Morrison and McAllen roads in District 4.
The artists were required to follow specific guidelines, including avoiding dark colors to prevent the metal traffic cabinets, which contain electronic equipment, from overheating. The artists also had to leave room for the BBC and city logos. The BBC evaluated the designs based on innovation, originality, connection to community themes and “conformity to the cabinet template.”
The winning designs will be printed onto vinyl wraps and applied to the cabinets, transforming them into “beautiful and functional artwork without interfering with the equipment,” according to the city.
Del Castillo’s design highlights families using hike-and-bike trails, while Cardenas’ design features avian wildlife and other iconic elements of the city. Barrera’s artwork shows Amelia Earhart, airplanes and rocket ships, and Almaguer’s design plays up the BTX theme and images related to it.
Aguilar’s “Puro 956” design incorporates parrots in hats, while Del Angel’s creation features a nod to American artist Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans” work.
The winners were announced, and their artworks unveiled, on Sept. 20.
The city said the program is part of its ongoing efforts to “enhance public spaces and foster community pride through creative expression.”
“The city of Brownsville and the (BBC) are committed to making Brownsville a more vibrant, welcoming place through beautification projects that celebrate local talent and community spirit,” a spokesman said.
