Local agency helps area's fire hydrants turn into works of art

Arianna Otero, Tallahassee Democrat
·1 min read
With "Art on Fire," local artists were given fire hydrants as an open canvas to showcase their abilities.
With "Art on Fire," local artists were given fire hydrants as an open canvas to showcase their abilities.

The Knights Creative Communities Institute (KCCI) is known for their many community engagement projects which look to turn ordinary sites throughout Tallahassee into open canvases for local artists to showcase their work.

Their latest program, "Art on Fire," saw several artists turn five fire hydrants across town into colorful works of art. Following an accomplished test run, executive director Betsy Couch says the institute wants to continue and expand this project.

"We are still in the planning process of what the future looks like," Couch said. "We have to continue conversations with the fire department and the city ... What we would love to see is if Art on Fire became part of the City of Tallahassee's Artful Infrastructure Program."

KCCI has one other project which has already been recognized by the city. Its other Artful Infrastructure Program, "Art of the Box," had artists turn graffiti-covered and otherwise tagged utility boxes into local murals.

Funding for the project was provided by the Community Redevelopment Agency with nearly $1,500.

Six artists in all were chosen for hydrant art

Local artists had until Aug. 21 to submit their artwork in order to be considered. After submissions were entered, the art was judged by a committee.

The artists that were chosen were Sherlyn Reyes, Sharard "X" Saddlers, Robyn Ware, Franzline Whaley and Direne Esparza Lorenzo & Sinai Muniz Esparza.

Four of the hydrants are located at Railroad Square, and the last is at Pineview Elementary.

KCCI is currently focusing on their project "Crosswalks for Classrooms," which illustrates crosswalks near schools in order to highlight pedestrian safety. They unveiled their newest colorful crosswalks near W.T. Moore Elementary on Monday.

Arianna Otero is the City Solutions Reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at AOtero@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @ari_v_otero

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'Art on Fire': Tallahassee fire hydrants get artistic makeover