Lacey utility boxes to feature more historical stories 

More local history could soon appear in public spaces around the City of Lacey, as it continues the utility box art program this fall.

The second phase of the program revisits 10 local profiles that received no artwork in the first round and introduces new subjects for artists. 

Lacey Special Projects Administrator Shanelle Pierce presented the next phase to the Lacey Commission on Equity at meeting on Monday, Sept. 28. The presentation was informational, and the commission was not asked to take formal action.  

Artists of any age may submit artwork from Oct. 14 through Dec. 30. Selected artists will receive $300, have their work displayed on a utility control box for about five years or longer depending on its condition, and receive recognition on the city's website.  

Local profiles 

Returning profiles include Lisa Brodoff and Lynn Grotsky, a Lacey couple who advocated for same-sex couples. Pierce said they were one of the first couples to receive a marriage license at midnight after Washington legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. 

Other subjects include Virgil Clarkson, the first Black mayor of Lacey, and Karen Fraser, the first woman mayor of the city. Also returning are battlefield nurse Barbara Nichols, Jose “Luvva J” Gutierrez Jr., Barbara O’Neill, the Fred U. Harris Lodge No. 70 and the sister-city relationship between Lacey and Minsk Mazowiecki, Poland. 

Local events and venues are also represented. Artists may submit artwork about the first U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials or Evergreen Ballroom, a Lacey venue that Pierce said hosted performers, including Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash and Ray Charles.  

Two new subjects are going to honor the veterans community and Indigenous leaders Chief Leschi and his older brother, Quiemuth. Artists may also propose another person, place or group and explain its connection to Lacey history, heritage, culture and community values.  

Public display 

Commissioner Clifton Brown asked how the city chooses locations for the wraps. He suggested placing artwork near places associated with their subjects, using Clarkson and Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center as an example. 

Pierce said she plans to return with a map and seek commission feedback on possible locations for the new themes. 

Chair Thelma Jackson said Phase 1 has already prompted public reactions. A utility wrap honoring Jackson and her husband, Nat, has generated comments from acquaintances and strangers who recognize her in public. 

Some people spotted the artwork before Jackson did, and then contacted her about it. One man told her that seeing the wrap while stopped at a traffic signal improved his mood before work. 

"So it's been very interesting the variety of feedback and comments, and people who saw it before I saw it," Jackson said. 

Her grandchildren have also posed for photos beside the utility box. Jackson said she hopes people featured in future wraps receive similar feedback as more artwork appears throughout the city. 

Commission Vice Chair Makieda Hart suggested advertising the opportunity through schools, colleges, local businesses and community bulletin boards. 

The commission is tentatively scheduled to review submissions in January and February 2027 before sending recommendations to the Lacey City Council.

Council consideration is planned for February and March. Artist notifications are scheduled for March and April, followed by installation in May and June, weather permitting.