Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 3, 2024 – If you’ve driven around Jonesboro over the last few months, you’ve probably noticed the electrical boxes that have been painted by local artists near several traffic intersections. There’s a box with flowers, another with honeybees, and there’s even an astronaut and diver, among others.

Next time you’re at the corner of Main and Washington, look over at one of the newest paintings designed to beautify the city… a “flight” of brilliant blue butterflies created by Matt Ball. He’s a local artist that was commissioned to continue his butterfly motif in the downtown area. Ball was also chosen to paint monarch butterflies on the Selfie Wall on Monroe Avenue, a project that began in 2020.

Local Jonesboro artist Stephanie Davis painted an astronaut on one side of the traffic cabinet and a diver on the other, with the words "dream" and "explore" on opposing sides.
Local Jonesboro artist Stephanie Davis painted an astronaut on one side of the traffic cabinet and a diver on the other, with the words “dream” and “explore” on opposing sides. (Rachel Anderson)

For this painting, he chose the Diana Fritillary, the state butterfly of Arkansas. When he was told that he’d have another opportunity to have his art in a public place, he knew right away what his subject would be. “They’re so colorful and beautiful…everyone loves a butterfly.”

Ball began painting his box at the corner of Main and Washington last summer, but took a break during the winter months. (Brett H. Barber)
Since the break of spring, Ball decided to finish the last bit of painting his cabinet box needed to be complete. (Brett H. Barber)
Ball was also chosen to paint the monarch butterflies on the “Selfie Wall” on Monroe Avenue, a project that began in 2020. (Brett H. Barber)