It’s not only words of praise being delivered to the Chorus box artist on Salisbury Road recently.
River Day has been painting the metal cabinet that houses Chorus’ mini telephone exchange, with motorists and pedestrians letting him know of their appreciation for his work.
“People have been telling me what a great job I’m doing while they’ve been stopped at the red lights,” says River.
“Some people gave me great feedback, carried on with their trip to the supermarket and came back with an icecream for me,’ he says.
River, 17-years-old, who until now has been an indoors artist has been thrust into the public’s eye with this project. The comments have all been encouraging, says River.
Just over 6 weeks ago, River started work on the cabinet after being chosen by the Tasman District Council to be part of the Broadband Internet Company, Chorus’ arts programme.
The weather has had a big impact on getting the job completed. The unseasonal amount of rain, but also the scorching sun rapidly drying out his paint, has meant River has had narrow windows of opportunity to make the artwork happen.
The beautified Chorus box now provides a snapshot of nature – but there have been other results. People have been contacting River, after seeing his work with requests to paint murals for them on the sides of businesses and garages.