The next time you drive or walk through Kaimuki, you may notice more art with the canvas being utility boxes.

The group Street Art Hawaii has painted more than two dozen boxes along various streets in Kaimuki.

“It helps to stamp out graffiti or at least to try to deter it. And it’s also a beautification project we are getting feedback from the community that they’re getting a little joy driving down the street. They’ve had a hard day and they can look over and there’s some beautiful artwork to enjoy,” said Jennifer Noel, organizer and founder of Street Art Hawaii.

Noel started this project in Kaimuki because it’s her neighborhood, so she brought together other artists from Kaimuki, but now it’s grown.

Bethany Georges a painter from Kailua said, “I love the concept and the idea a great deal. I love the idea of spreading love and aloha and tying in themes of different culture, different things in the community that people are proud of that they identify with. I love painting. I love painting birds. Everything kind of came together.”

Said Noel, “The artists, there are nine artists and they come from various locations, backgrounds and experience. Some of them have never painted murals, and this is a type of mural. A lot of them have to paint with house paint so they have to adjust their technique a little.”

Noel got the project approved through the Mayor’s Office on Culture and the Arts because this is city property. 13 utility boxes painted were painted Sunday for a total of 26 now painted in Kaimuki, all family friendly and with a Hawaiian or Hawaiiana theme.

“I’m really excited to be a part of it, and to bring light to someone’s day. Or inspire someone to learn how to paint or just to make someone smile,” said Georges.

“The community reaches out and they’re making sure the artists have water and snacks. They’re even tipping some of the artists. So a couple of artists went into the coffee shop and everybody applauded them so it is positive feedback all the way around,” added Noel.

The entire project is donation based, so if you’d like to see this in your community, gather donations and Noel will bring the artists. She can be reached at www.streetarthawaii.com.