Stop and Smell the Flowers

At the corner of the busy intersection of Valley Avenue and Stanley Boulevard, an explosion of flowers brightens the day on two utility boxes.  Daffodils and tulips nod their heads to the warm sun and a riot of accompanying flowers brings a smile.  This was the stated purpose of artist Alley McKay. She wanted to entice all viewers to create a joyous moment of relaxation, a sigh of relief. Just STOP and smell the flowers.  Alley was only 16 when she was confirmed by the Civics Arts Commission (2018) and funded $750 by the Pubic Art Acquisition Fund to complete the utility “Project Paint Box” art. Later, she was the recipient of the Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship due to her passion for public art. McKay is the founder of Art Alliance, a program for middle schoolers bringing arts education back to public schools. Originally from San Francisco, Ally went on to study illustration at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.  

Jan Coleman-Knight