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OXBOX – ART TRAIL
In July 2024 we embarked on a new project, this initiative aims to beautify our streets by transforming 18 neglected telecommunications cabinets across East Oxford, replacing graffiti and flyposting with stunning murals and creative illustrations.
Featuring talented local artists, we continue to foster a sense of pride in our community. We're taking bold steps to make a lasting difference and create a brighter, more inspiring environment for everyone.
Winding through the bustling streets of East Oxford, passing by an eclectic mix of shops, coffee houses, and restaurants, the OxBox art trail will display a diverse range of artwork, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our community. As you explore, you'll experience the unique blend of cultures and flavours that make East Oxford a wonderful place to live.
We got off to a good start completing during the year, we battled with rain, wind and then some extremely hot weeks, gratefully supported by community support via our JustGiving page and local councillors. During 2025 we will complete the remainder of the will be completed, additionally we will produce a printed map for you to visit the art trail and explore the area.
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SIMON HILLS
Mural artist, signwriter and scenic painter originally from Howard Street, Oxford. He trained in fine art as a portrait artist and later specialised in theatre and film painting. This combined training taught him to paint accurately and at scale and develop a strong technical base. A desire to develop his own designs led him to mural painting, which he has been doing for a number of years. Simon has had the opportunity to work for various London councils, several corporate firms and various private clients. He designs and paints in a variety of styles to properly respond to each space/brief.
Box painted: Iffley Road. What3Words: dads.rather.rush
TOM HUNTER
Tom is an art teacher based in Oxford. His work is inspired by both the naturally occurring and man-made marks that we use to identify and locate ourselves by. He is interested in the placing of ancient, geological patterns against contemporary, geometric systems. Taking reference from maps of the chalk paths and the chalk streams of Oxfordshire he has made trompe l’oeil surfaces that mimic marble; a rock made up originally of the same coccolithophores found in chalk. Placed against coloured lines that may be interpreted as those found on sports pitches, he has aimed to create a playful but perhaps disorientating series of abstract marks.
Box painted: Iffley Road. What3Words:words.accent.woes
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TEREZA HORACEK
Studied painting at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London (2016-2020). Characterised by a combination of evocative colours, textured brush strokes, fluorescent-orange backgrounds and loose washes, Horáček reworks and layers paint to combine painting techniques reminiscent of the Old Masters with gestural brushstrokes. Her pastoral scenes draw inspiration from Dutch seventeenth-century paintings and broad meadows, expansive skies and grazing cattle are recurring motifs within her work. Horáček lives and works in Oxford.
Box painted: Iffley Road: What3Words such.socket.dated.
SOFKA SMALES
Local artist and proud OX4 resident. After studying at Central St Martins she worked with community groups and artists to curate site specific shows and exhibitions. Working as Creative Studio Manager at Annie Sloan Interiors, she facilitated creative work whilst honing her own skills as a painter.
Passionate about her community, her own work is influenced by her surroundings and the diverse flora and fauna found hiding around East Oxford.
Boxes painted: Magdalen Road/Iffley Road Corner. What3Words: such.socket.dated And Charles Street: What3Words: second.rare.rises
SARAH HOYLE
Sarah is an Illustrator, Animator and Designer based in Oxford. Her aim is to work with people to visually communicate their ideas in the best possible way and create work with purpose. Her work is often inspired by the natural world and flowing shapes and patterns.
Sarah has worked on projects for organisations including Ashmolean Museum, The Wildlife Trust, London Natural History Museum, Butterfly Conservation and Oxford University.
AIDEN CANADAY
Aiden has been working with ceramics since 2011 and has exhibited his playful, tactile and abstract work in London, Oxford, Lisbon and Mallorca.
Lecturer in Fine Art at Oxford Brookes University teaching ceramics and running lectures about the real art world (RAW) around DIY + DIWO (do it yourself and do it with others) to encourage students to branch out into their local communities and take part in events and make things happen for themselves.
Boxes painted: Cowley Road/Southfield Road junction. What3Words: copy.plug.send
MERLIN PORTER
Oxford based artist who loves to bring the vitality of the moment into his art. Most well known for his live event paintings capturing everything from festivals to weddings, Merlin also has an illustration and fine art practice from his studio as well as being involved in many community art projects and running several art clubs.
Box painted: Howard Street. What3Words: mull.mining.good
CHILWORTH SCHOOL
We were incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with a talented 12-year-old student from Chilworth House School, located on the outskirts of Oxford. The school provides high-quality education for both boys and girls with a wide range of educational needs.
It is often the case that these young people are excluded from community projects, which is why we were thrilled to offer an opportunity to nurture young talent and showcase their artistic abilities. With the support of the Head Teacher and Head of Art, their creative vision came to life.
The artwork, filled with love and flowers, includes a phrase written in Chinese. Pay this box a visit to decipher the message this talented young artist has shared with you.
Box painted at: Barnet Streeet. What3Words: boats.assure.trunk
I'M RAISING £1000 TO COMPLETE THE OXBOX ART TRAIL FOR 2025
We're transforming East Oxford by replacing graffiti-covered and fly-posted telecommunications cabinets with vibrant murals and creative illustrations. Created by local artists, this community-driven project is about more than paint—it's about pride, connection, and creativity.
In 2024, despite dodging the rain and working through the heatwave, we completed murals on ten cabinets—each one now a small beacon of beauty, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Now, we're raising funds to complete the final eight cabinets and create a printed art trail map to help people discover these hidden gems. It’s a chance to explore the area, support local businesses and enjoy a coffee or browse the many independent shops along the way.
Please support the final phase. Help us finish the trail.
Together, we can create an inspiring and welcoming East Oxford for everyone.
SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE
