A local artist recently added a dose of color outside the Somerville Public Library's central branch. 

From Gregory Jenkins, the executive director of the Somerville Arts Council: 

The Somerville Arts Council and the Friends of the Somerville Public Library proudly announce the completion of a switchbox project by Jef Czekaj. Congrats Jef; great work. 

And now a few words from the artist: 

"This switchbox is directly outside of the Children's Room of the Somerville Public Library, so, of course, I wanted to do something about books. A book marching band seemed like a completely reasonable thing to do, but I don't think anyone knew what I was painting until it was completely finished. The switchbox was much bigger than I thought, so I just kept adding more and more characters. Note to aspiring muralists: don't paint your mural in winter! Brrrrr."

And to see more images of the box and Jef's other work check out his site http://czekaj.com/switchbox/intro.html

Gregory Jenkins

Executive Director

Somerville Arts Council

617.625.6600 ext. 2985

www.somervilleartscouncil.org

City of Somerville

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone