Let’s RAP About “It’s a Wrap”

Have you noticed the big green utility boxes around Ivins starting to look a lot more colorful?

Since fall 2023, local artists have been working with the Ivins City Arts Commission to cover selected utility boxes with vinyl wraps. These wraps feature desert-inspired artwork as part of our Arts District theme, “Out of the Desert.”

The idea started when members of the Arts Commission met with Art Around the Corner from St. George. That group had already painted utility boxes around their city with scenes from local history. After learning what worked—and what didn’t—the Ivins group decided to try something different.

Instead of paint, they chose vinyl wraps, which hold up better in the harsh desert sun. They named the project “It’s a Wrap.” The program supports the city’s Arts Master Plan goal to make public spaces more vibrant and enjoyable for both residents and visitors.

By summer 2023, three projects were approved by the Arts Commission and the Ivins City Council:

• A group of five artists from Kayenta

• A collage made from student artwork at Vista School

• A local watercolor artist

  
  

On September 8, 2023, the city celebrated the first installations at an event called “It’s a Wrap Revealed.” The celebration started at Vista School and continued along Center Street, showcasing additional wrapped boxes near Rocky Mountain Medical School and the corner of Center Street and Kwavasa Drive. These first projects were funded by the Washington County RAP Tax.

By spring 2026, the project has grown to include 10 wrapped boxes along the Ivins Arts Corridor. These works represent artists and groups from Kayenta, Vista School, the Ivins Community Garden, and several local HOAs.

In March 2026, the Ivins City Council approved a new plan to expand from one Arts Corridor into six Art Districts. This change allows the “It’s a Wrap” program to grow beyond Center Street and into more neighborhoods across the city. More information about Ivins City Arts Districts will be forthcoming.

Arts Districts Larger Map

Anyone interested—HOAs, developers, homeowners, or individual artists—can apply to be part of the program. Applications and guidelines are available on the Ivins City Arts Commission website or the Ivins City website. Partial funding is available through the city’s RAP Tax program, and all projects must be approved by both the Arts Commission and City Council.

Take some time to explore Ivins—by foot, bike, or car—and see how many wrapped boxes you can find. Even more are planned for 2026.

Special thanks to the students at Vista School and their art teacher, Eva Lorentzen, along with local artists Kimberly Beck, Judith Hutchenson, Adele Greenleaf, Waldo Kidd, Kathy Johnson, Steve Wagner, Johnette Dietz, Robin Vallline, Sherri Gee, Ginny Northcott, Ed Trammell, and Camille Neibert.