North Idaho STEM Charter students wrap electrical boxes in original art

RATHDRUM — Six graphic design students from North Idaho STEM Charter Academy wrapped up the school year by wrapping up electrical boxes in their original art.

Coen Willis, Gracie Keppner, Luke Brockman, Makayla Haase, Sam Knutson and Ryan Liu spent a month last fall planning and designing their colorful creations, which include natural elements with geometric patterns, orange mountainscapes, sunrays bursting through clouds, the northern lights and a retro throwback.

The designs, installed earlier this month, can be found on boxes along State Highways 41 and 53 in Rathdrum.

Incoming senior Ryan Liu's design can be found on the south side of Highway 53, south of the Highway 41 overpass bridge. He said he wanted to depict the natural aspect of North Idaho while including a component to represent the industrialization occurring as more people move to the area.

"I wanted to represent that with the geometric shapes," he said Thursday. "Having the nature and industrial aspect together moved me to create that artwork."

As a student with a background in music, graphic design is a new venture for Ryan.

"I used to draw stick figures," he said. This is my introduction to art."

Ryan, 17, will volunteer to teach English in Taiwan later this summer. He said he is proud of what he made.

"It's very shocking I was able to do that being my first piece of art," he said. "It's literally in an area of dry brush, that pale yellow. I like the fact that it's so colorful. It pops out. When people look at it, I feel rewarded."

His mom, Amy Wang, is also proud of her son's work.

"The people can see something beautiful, a colorful combination on a kind of ugly electric box," she said. "That’s a pretty good thing for everyone."

Incoming sophomore Gracie Keppner, 15, created a design of abstract flowers and cassette tapes.

"I just wanted to do something that was my style," she said. "I love all the bright colors."

At Highway 53 and Meyer Road, Gracie's design was inspired by images she found on Pinterest.

"I let all my creativity flow," she said. "I got to create something I was really happy about."

Although, she said, it is a bit nerve-racking to create a piece of public art.

"You never know what people are going to think, but I’m ecstatic about it," she said. "A lot of people have told me they're really happy it’s a pop of color in an intersection that doesn't have a lot of colorful stuff. They're happy to see something colorful and fun.

"It was just awesome to know it’s going to be remembered for as long as it’s up," she said. "And it's something I'm going to show to future kids."

The project for Dave Johnson's graphic design class came about after receiving a generous grant from the Idaho Community Foundation more than a year ago. Johnson contacted the city of Rathdrum in May 2023 to suggest the electric box idea.

"In my graphic design classes, I have always tried to incorporate real-life experience projects, with real-life clients — not just various classroom assignments, but I have never done anything like this before," Johnson said. "While working with our vendor, MinutePress in Rathdrum, I was able to obtain specifications and all requirements for the project. I also worked with Kevin Jump, the city engineer for Rathdrum, to procure all the necessary permits from the Department of Transportation."

The students presented to the Rathdrum City Council in October and were given approval on their designs.

"My kids each have a unique style and focus, all their own," Johnson said. "Each student's design was their impression of North Idaho. Whether a more literal approach, or abstract, each student's work not only expresses their creativity and technique, but their love for our community and our state. I'm proud of all of them!"

Leon Duce, Rathdrum city administrator, said the city is excited to incorporate young people into projects like this.

"Any project we can do with the youth to get them excited about their community, excited about their local government, is a win-win solution for everyone,” he said.

    Gracie Keppner's electrical box design is at Highway 53 and Meyer Road.
  

    Coen Willis stands with his original design on the electrical box north of the Highway 41 overpass bridge in Rathdrum.
  

    Luke Brockman designed the wrap on the electrical box at Lancaster Road and Highway 41.
  

    Sam Knutson shows off his graphic design on the electrical box at Nagel Street and Highway 41 in Rathdrum.
  

    Makayla Haase proudly presents her original artwork in Rathdrum at Boekel Road and Highway 41.