A beautiful close up of a painted turtle outside 5500 Tolman St. by artist, Sarah Imrisek

If you’ve taken a stroll through Yonge North York recently, you might have noticed a vibrant change on the streets. What were once plain, grey utility boxes are now canvases full of life and colour– nine additional ones to be exact!  Thanks to the Bell Box Murals Project, these previously overlooked pieces of street infrastructure have become dynamic art installations, celebrating local stories, creativity, and talent.

About The Bell Box Murals Project

The Bell Box Murals Project began in 2009 with a simple but powerful mission: to transform Bell Canada utility boxes into public art. What started as a small initiative has now grown into a city-wide movement, with hundreds of murals adorning utility boxes throughout Toronto. These murals not only beautify the streets but also serve as a creative outlet for local artists, each one reflecting the diversity and culture of the neighbourhood.

Yonge North York has embraced the project wholeheartedly, turning our streets into open-air galleries. It’s a stunning transformation that speaks to the power of public art in revitalizing urban spaces.

Exploring Nature Through Art 

One of the standout pieces in Yonge North York is by artist Sarah Imrisek, whose mural on Tolman Avenue features the face of a painted turtle, created in a striking purple gradient. Sarah says her inspiration comes from the local plants and animals that often go unnoticed in busy city life. “A theme that I enjoy exploring with my art is nature, specifically local plants and animals that are all around us, that we might not be aware of,” she shares. Her mural brings a bit of the natural world into the urban environment, reminding passersby of the beauty that exists even in unexpected places. And, if you take a look at the back of her box, you’ll discover a little surprise— a detail I’ll leave for viewers to find themselves.

Fostering Connection Through Creativity

These murals also foster a deeper sense of connection within the community. Residents can feel a personal bond with the artwork, knowing that it was created by local artists with their neighbourhood in mind. It becomes a shared experience—something for people to stop, admire, and talk about. As Sarah’s painted turtle mural shows, even the smallest creatures can become powerful symbols of resilience and beauty in the urban landscape.

Through her work, Sarah has met many people from the community, including neighbours who have commissioned her for other projects. She’s also connected with fellow artists like Wendy Lu, whose mural on Lorraine Drive is just around the corner. Wendy’s abstract artwork, filled with vibrant pinks and yellows, is a beautiful display of colour and creativity, inviting viewers to discover something new each time they look at it.

Artist Wendy Lu’s vibrant mural outside 23 Lorraine Drive

Explore Your Local Bell Box Murals

Art plays a crucial role in enriching our communities and connecting people. Projects like the Bell Box Murals Project remind us that a world without art is bland and lifeless. By bringing colour to our streets and supporting local artists, we’re not just beautifying our neighbourhoods—we’re building a more vibrant community.

If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend taking a walk to explore the Bell Box Murals in your area. Each one tells a different story and offers a glimpse into the mind of a local artist. These murals not only add beauty to the neighbourhood but also support Toronto’s creative community, giving local artists a platform to showcase their work. So, the next time you’re out in Yonge North York, take a moment to appreciate the art that’s brightening the streets. You never know what you might discover.

A funky mural painted by artist Saloni Das near the intersection of Doris Avenue and Greenfield Avenue

Artists and Locations
Saloni Das – Doris Ave. & Greenfield Ave.
Sara Shoghi – 217 Beecroft Rd.
Andre Kan – 88 Doris Ave.
Esky Pirouzi – Bales Ave. & Glendora Ave.
Sara Atashhoosh – 26 Harrison Garden Blvd.
Elizabeth Mazur – 18 Hillcrest Ave.
Sabrina Tu – 28 Byng Ave.
Wendy Lu – 23 Lorraine Dr.
Sarah Imrisek – 5500 Tolman St.