ARTonBOXES
ARTonBOXES is a city-wide traffic signal box art wrap initiative, featuring original commissioned works of art. Transforming traffic signal boxes through art contributes to the creative character of Vaughan’s neighbourhoods, beautifies city streetscapes and discourages graffiti. Art designs selected for the program will become temporary public art assets in the Civic Art Collection of the Vaughan City-Wide Public Art Program for all to enjoy.
Through the ARTonBOXES Program 10-Year Implementation Strategy, more than 100 traffic signal boxes will be installed city-wide between 2025 and 2034, representing a signature creative placemaking initiative in Vaughan.
ART of HEALING
The ART of HEALING is the 2025 theme for the ARTonBOXES Program Implementation Strategy. In the spirit of positivity in a time we are facing global societal and environmental challenges, this ARTonBOXES theme is dedicated to exploring an inspired intersection of art and health – where art plays centre stage in supporting our physical, mental and social well-being.
Fifteen new original designs themed around the ART of HEALING have been installed on traffic signal boxes around Vaughan. More than 100 submissions were received from artists in Vaughan and across the Greater Toronto Area between December 2024 and February 2025.
View the art design for each box.
Alex Bray, In Bloom
“This is my personal perspective on what healing looks and feels like. When I think of healing, I think of a calmness and growth that comes from within. There is a sense of tranquility and rebirth within nature, a cycle of life is always at work. Plus, the included comfort of a furry companion would heal me instantly. My artwork is created digitally in Procreate, using various textured brushes to achieve a coloured pencil feel. If you look closely, the work is composed of numerous scribbles. The piece is a mixture of surrealism and collage-like imagery. I played around with depth and space to create the composition.”
Located at Islington Avenue and Napa Valley Avenue in Ward 2.
Vridhhi Chaudhry, Paper Boat Letters
“Healing is explored through the intimate ritual of connecting with departed loved ones. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of paper boats and the therapeutic nature of letter-writing, this digital illustration visualizes grief and growth as coexisting forces in our healing journey. The design employs a dreamlike aesthetic where organic patterns meet flowing waters, symbolizing the fluid boundary between memory and the present moment. Through layered digital brushwork and a carefully chosen palette of deep greens and midnight blues, the artwork creates a meditative space that invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences with loss and renewal. The central figure, adorned in pattern-rich clothing that echoes the surrounding foliage, represents how we can bloom even in gloom. Each paper boat carries symbolic messages across healing waters, suggesting how personal rituals can transform grief into a different kind of connection. It offers viewers a gentle reminder that healing isn't about moving on but about learning to carry our stories differently.”
Located at Bathurst Street and Rutherford Road in Ward 4.
Danielle Cole, Plant Ladies
“The work explores the theme of healing through transformation and our deep connection to nature. It features paper dolls that remain uncut from their original page, symbolizing the pressure to present a perfect version of ourselves both in person and online. It seeks to encourage viewers to reconnect with the natural world as a path toward personal healing and growth. By immersing ourselves in nature’s wisdom, we can find solace and renewal. The series is crafted from vintage materials, including botany and paper doll books, blending analog collage with digital techniques. This combination invites reflection on the complexities of identity and the interconnectedness between people and the natural world. Ultimately, ‘Plant Ladies’ is a visual meditation on the power of nature as a source of healing and transformation, offering both introspection and a reminder of our essential bond with the earth.”
Located at Clark Avenue and Hilda Avenue in Ward 5.
Ashley Dadoun, River Healed
“Healing nature can also profoundly heal ourselves. River otters have long been considered extirpated from much of their range due to pollution, urban and industrial activity. I have chosen to paint the Don River, which runs through our region and used to be choked with refuse, industrial waste and any number of harmful pollutants, such that it was practically declared dead. However, for the past 30 years, citizens have banded together to advocate for and clean up our Don River. Their efforts have been healing the river and surrounding lands so much so that river otters have begun returning to waters they had not been seen in for a hundred years.”
Located at Atkinson Avenue and Clark Avenue in Ward 5.
Rina Gottesman, Home is Where the Heart Is
“My life is a continuum of change, shaped by the people and places I encounter. As an artist who paints from the heart, these experiences deeply influence my work. Working with acrylics allows me to build up the painting surface layer by layer, creating depth and a sense of history. Words, text and collage often hide within these layers waiting to be discovered. My paintings are complex yet nuanced – a metaphor for life and for my own journey as an immigrant to Canada at the age of four. ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ was created after the pandemic as a symbol of healing and hope. The familiar motifs of heart and home evoke feelings of comfort, stability, family and connection. My hope is that sharing this artwork with the public touches hearts, sparks conversation and becomes a catalyst for others to share their stories.”
Located at Yonge Street and Clark Avenue in Ward 5.
Ziyi Jiang, Song of the Phoenix
“The phoenix symbolizes the bond of life in both Eastern and Western mythology. In Western stories, the phoenix represents rebirth, with its tears possessing healing powers. In my homeland, China, the phoenix is revered as the leader of all birds, embodying auspiciousness and eternal vitality. In my artwork, the phoenix soars across the night sky, its tail feathers gradually transforming into various forms of flora. Birds gather at the phoenix's call, symbolizing the vibrant energy of spring. There was a time when I abandoned drawing and painting, but years later, I realized that creating art brings me the greatest joy. This illustration marks my return to artistic life. I hope those who encounter this illustration on the street or online can feel the power of healing and dispel their depression or confusion about life.”
Located at Highway 7 and Kipling Avenue in Ward 2.
Andre Kan, Fragment/Renewal
“This design symbolizes the art of healing through its tranquil colour palette, soft gradients and harmonious geometric shapes. The blue background evokes calmness and emotional clarity, while the birds represent freedom, renewal and spiritual growth, suggesting the journey of healing. My signature geometric forms, with their overlapping and transparent qualities, reflect the layered nature of healing – structured yet ever-evolving. The soft edges of the shapes, alongside hints of natural elements like clouds, emphasize the restorative power of nature. The balance between contrasts, such as light and dark, and sharp and soft, mirrors the duality of the healing process – sometimes gentle, at other times challenging, but always transformative. This composition captures the essence of growth, balance and transformation in a visual dialogue about personal and emotional recovery.”
Located at Weston Road and Ashberry Boulevard in Ward 3.
Joanna Katchutas, Iridescent Signs
“People dealing with mental and physical health issues are on the rise. Caregiving, grief and dealing with trauma have also become more common. Everybody experiences coping and healing in uniquely different ways. This design is an elaborate narration in honour of my beloved late father and late uncle, and some of the "signs" that remind me of them. The image features two winged figures, one standing and the other walking through a rocky stream, the flow of water characterizing the flow of emotions. They are both peering into a forest of purple iris flowers, which are a symbol of faith and hope, as well as a connection to the afterlife. The wings are photomanipulations that are depicted differently on each figure. The Blue Jay wings with iris flower elements signify protection and renewal. The butterfly wings with coloured irises within them are a healing representation of love and support.”
Located at Major Mackenzie Drive and Lawford Road in Ward 3.
Meegan Lim, Eternal Bloom, Endless Flight
“This illustration reflects resilience, balance and inner peace. A trio of cranes stands gracefully on rocks amidst blooming lotus flowers – both symbols of longevity, wisdom and renewal. The stillness of the cranes alongside the lotus’s quiet strength demonstrates how patience and growth can help one push through life’s uncertainties. The crane and lotus have been deeply personal symbols in my art career and mental health journey, offering reminders of perseverance and serenity. The lotus, emerging from murky waters to bloom in purity, mirrors the healing journey: embracing challenges and rising with strength. Influenced by Asian art and folklore, I aim to capture a sense of harmony and quiet contemplation. Created digitally, I used blends of soft gradients with intricate detailing to evoke a meditative, dreamlike atmosphere. I invite viewers to find a moment of stillness, encouraging them to embrace their own paths to healing.”
Located at Ansley Grove Road and Windflower Gate in Ward 3.
Frank Mazzuca, Solus Par Aqua
“Solus Par Aqua, which means health or healing through water. Water soothes the soul with meditative sounds and visuals. When photographing in Newfoundland, Canada, I was quickly transformed to a state of calm. From landscapes to the people, you can feel this positive energy like no other place. Years later, we experienced the stage performance of ‘Come From Away,’ which confirmed what I had felt from the energy of Newfoundlanders. It was magical. The acronym SPA is also the abbreviation for the term ‘Solus Par Aqua.’”
Located at Highway 7 and Islington Avenue in Ward 2.
Maureen O’Connor, Godsend
“The ideas behind ‘Godsend’ revolve around how events in our lives can be cataclysmic, and that there are times when we are blessed to have an individual or guardian angel, a force that changes the course of our lives for the better. And without this Godsend moment in our lives, we would not be who we are. Transcending moments in our lives create a healing space where positive, transformative healing can take place. Our physical and mental health can be heightened by the presence of a positive force that gives us the feeling of a place of prayer where personal reflection can take place.”
Located at Melville Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive in Ward 1.
Jennifer Raetsen, Untitled # 1 Vaka
“I create landscape paintings out of wool, felting the fibres onto a wool pad. My love of nature runs deep, and I have found that with wool, I can capture the essence of a place. The tactile nature of wool is meditative and calming, and this energy is then transferred into my work. Ultimately, my work is about creating a sense of wonder and connection, both between the viewer and the art and between humanity and the natural world. There is a delight in the unpredictable as well, that moment when new eyes look at my art and are sometimes surprised to realize it is created from fibre. This delight can offer a rare moment to slow down and observe the often-overlooked details in our often hectic lives.”
Located at the entrance of North Maple Regional Park at 11085 Keele St. in Ward 1.
Thelia Sanders Shelton, Love Superheroes
“In a time of divisiveness, the most powerful thing to combat hate is love. The most powerful thing that helps with healing is love. When we love, we give, we work hard, we share, we seek understanding and we seek resolution. And when we are challenged with hurt, love can unite us as a community. In ‘Love Superheroes,’ four superheroes individually send out rays of love in a multitude of directions. I believe this artwork will resonate with viewers and will bring a pop of colour and joy to the community.”
Located at Interchange Way and Interchange Way in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre in Ward 4.
Sandra Scarpelli, Floral Healing
“My piece is a visual representation of the beneficial energy of flowers and their inherent healing properties. Healing is a process and requires time. Flowers are divine, and their essence deserves to be shared with others. The quiet, colourful lifespan of a flower is short-lived but impactful in its healing attributes. It has been written and scientifically studied that flowers have a profound effect on our mood and contribute to healing. It can be a fresh bouquet or a floral-themed artwork. The positive impact is equal. To the eye of the beholder, we are uplifted by the beauty of a flower, the sweetness of its scent and its stunning colour. From behind my lens, I hope to capture the divine floral gift of nature. A flower exerts a powerful presence through its natural energy and fine-tuned frequency, promoting positive healing.”
Located at Jane Street and Fredrick Banting Street in Ward 1.
Ron Wild, Flower of Life
“This design is inspired by the combination of healing ancient symbology and 21st-century medical health imagery. The iconic Flower of Life symbol is the visual connection between all living things; it's said to have many benefits, including potent healing energy. Not only is it a beautiful symbol, but it also helps people capture positive energy every day. Like mandalas, this imagery is thought to reduce anxiety, stress and depression. The superposition of the two graphic styles reminds us that human health is a complex ecosystem, and healing is a multi-layered process. Imagery wrapping around the box references the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, the first hospital in Canada to feature fully integrated smart technology systems.”
Located at Apple Mill Road and Jane Street in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre in Ward 4.
View the map of ART of HEALING traffic signal boxes locations.
Previously installed ARTonBOXES series
Group of Seven REMIXED pilot
On June 6, 2023, the City of Vaughan unveiled the Group of Seven REMIXED pilot project as part of the ARTonBOXES program. Taking thematic inspiration from the iconic paintings by members of the Group of Seven, this pilot project profiles original work by Vaughan secondary school visual art specialty students. Twelve designs were selected for installation on traffic signal boxes at prominent locations in all five wards across the city. Learn more about each artwork in the profiles below.
To view the art design concepts for each box in 3-D animation, please click here.
Alessandra Raso, The Hunt
St. Elizabeth Catholic High School
"The medium I used was acrylic paint on canvas. My design concept embraces the natural beauty of Canada. The view of a bear in its habitat catching salmon felt so magical to me. The location reminds me of Muskoka, as it is such a comforting place to me, and I used to canoe through the lakes and see bears. My style was inspired by the Group of Seven and their textured style, as seen in the water and the bear’s fur."
Located at Woodbridge Avenue and Islington Avenue in Ward 2.
Allyson Safran, Mountain Vast
Westmount Collegiate Institute
"This is a painting of a classic Canadian landmark, the Rocky Mountains. I took inspiration from quite a few members of the Group of Seven, especially the painting called "Hills of Killarney" by the artist A.Y. Jackson. I was inspired by the vast depth of the mountains and the sharp lighting and wanted to give my more realistic interpretation, swapping out soft round shapes for sharper, rougher mountains. I used acrylic on a canvas board to create a good sense of depth and layering. I wanted a good sense of form and shape, done with a sharper and more dramatic divide between light and dark, and with colour, using warm light contrasting with a cool shadow."
Located at Woodbridge Avenue and Kipling Avenue in Ward 2.
Anna Ladizginsky, Twine
St. Elizabeth Catholic High School
"I wanted to incorporate the Group of Seven’s use of texture, specifically, J.E.H. Macdonald’s interesting way of adding colour to emphasize certain forms in his landscapes. One of my main focuses was to create a sense of dynamic movement. Through the composition and the direction of flow seen in the branches and fish, I wanted to show how nature is connected (e.g., life cycle) and how humanity is intertwined with nature, represented by the person whose hair is entangled in the tree. The many sides of the box will be linked through the branches and show connectivity across the box."
Located at Famous Avenue and Colossus Drive in Ward 5.
Caia Rotman, Peggy
Westmount Collegiate Institute
"My landscape is inspired by my time spent in Nova Scotia. I went on several trips to see the stunning province when I used to visit my dad at work. I took many landscape photos each time, including my reference for this piece. I experimented with acrylic paints to obtain a satisfying stylized look reminiscent of paintings by the Group of Seven. I was inspired by the Group's use of more simplified forms to capture the atmosphere of a setting, as well as their use of colour. I love exaggerating colours, and I think that the more experimental colour scheme here effectively complements the abstract forms while keeping each element distinct and visible."
Located at Ilan Ramon Boulevard and Lebovic Campus Drive in Ward 4.
Cailin Sadecka, Ethereality
St. Elizabeth Catholic High School
"The Group of Seven focused on representing Canada’s hidden charm, and just like its citizens, Canada is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful country. Filled with plains, mountains, valleys, and forests, I believed that the only way to truly capture the spirit of the Canadian landscape was to show a fair representation of its diversity. Vibrancy of colour and texture was the main focus of this painting, from which I drew a lot of inspiration from both nature and various artists including Tom Thomson, David Langevin, and Randy Hayashi. The use of acrylic paint provided ample opportunity to explore Canada’s individual landscape and successfully bring through the spirit of Canada."
Located at Woodbridge Avenue and Clarence Street in Ward 2.
Daniel Zhang, Muskoka Woods
Westmount Collegiate Institute
"My design is an illustration of the Muskoka woods, a municipality in Ontario. I took inspiration from J.E.H Macdonald’s fluid and clean art style, especially in his Mist Fantasy piece. My concept was to capture the secluded yet comforting atmosphere of Muskoka, by stylizing a lakeside landscape from the perspective of a canoe, a traditional form of Indigenous travel and art. I painted this piece digitally using Procreate and Photoshop, remodelling the Group of Seven in a more contemporary fashion. I painted using a sharp and layered style, using layers of different colours to create value rather than blending colours together."
Located at Chrislea Road and Northview Boulevard in Ward 3.
Hailey Shema, Joy
Westmount Collegiate Institute
"My design is based on a picture I took from my own home when the sun was rising. When I think of Vaughan, I think of my neighbourhood (Thornhill) and the beautiful suburban views from my window. I portrayed the whimsical bright energy it brings me through the cartoon-like organic shapes and bright colour scheme, using a mixture of acrylic paint and digital touch-ups to make up my landscape. My hope for this design is that even if viewers are not aware of what neighbourhood it is, they feel the nostalgic bright feeling the landscape should give off."
Located at Melville Avenue and Springside Road in Ward 1.
Kaitlyn Hsieh, Wilderness
St. Elizabeth Catholic High School
"In this digital piece, I wanted to incorporate the vibrant warm colors of many Group of Seven landscape paintings. It includes simplified tall standing trees, animals on each side (each animal commonly seen in Canada has become a part of the country's identity), and warm bright colors in the background contrasting with the cool colors in the foreground. I started with a simple grayscale painting, then used a gradient map to add on the base colors, contrasting colors, animals, and final details. The piece has four main focal points for each side of the box: the front is a moose, the back is a deer, and the sides are a blue jay and a squirrel."
Located at Woodbridge Avenue and the Market Lane Shopping Centre in Ward 2.
Lorenzo Pereira Misiunas, The Lone Boat
St. Elizabeth Catholic High School
"This design is inspired by the Canadian landscape, similar to how the Group of Seven indeed showed the beauty of the Canadian landscape. I used Canadian mountains and lakes as inspiration and added a boat and dock to make it seem like there is civilization. The art techniques used include a digital pen, vibrant colours, and blur tools for the water to show motion. The blue colours show the cold weather and are meant to feel refreshing to the viewer. Overall, I wanted to illustrate the union between Canadian nature and people."
Located at Clark Avenue and New Westminster Drive in Ward 5.
Maria Suzdaleva, The Calmest Hour
St. Elizabeth Catholic High School
"My design created in Illustrator, has a stained-glass effect. I was inspired by many landscapes from the Group of Seven and chose the idea of humans corresponding with nature in a calm, peaceful way. It represents nature, showing the beauty of our country–including forests, mountains, ocean shores–and its many jaw-dropping colours. There are two coasts in this artwork and the only thing separating them is a crystal-clear lake in its calm state. An Indigenous girl is crossing over, travelling with her dog in search of inspiration and adventure. I depicted the beautiful and majestic nature of Canada through both digital and traditional canvas."
Located at Major Mackenzie Drive and Keele Street in Ward 1.
Marni Pellicane, Beauty of Banff
Westmount Collegiate Institute
"My inspiration was Banff National Park, specifically Lake Louise in Alberta, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada. I have always wanted to visit and skate on Lake Louise's water. I chose to use digital media because I have recently been more comfortable using it and believe that for this project specifically, a digital piece would look better. The challenge I faced using this media was the amount of work it took to convey the reflection of the mountains and the trees requiring a lot of experimentation using various colours and my personal art style. My piece displays Canada's true beauty."
Located at Apple Mill Road and Millway Avenue in Ward 4.
Rana Silakhori, Snowy Serenity
Westmount Collegiate Institute
"Vaughan is much less dominated by tall buildings than other cities and is a mix of small clusters of buildings surrounded by bustling suburbia. Using Procreate, I combined my style with the Group of Seven, especially Lawren Harris’ series of snow-covered houses, mimicking his wintertime drawing style and re-interpreting how Vaughan's architecture would look in that setting. The city area includes structures that resemble those at the Vaughan Metropolitan Center, and an airplane demonstrates the city's growing immigrant community; and how many people, including myself, come to this city to find a home. Using distinctive textured brushes and a canvas overlay, in the spirit of the Group, I tried to convey the effect of painting on canvas rather than digital media."
Located at Yonge Street and Centre Street in Ward 5.