The USC IGM Art Gallery congratulates Artist and Chair of the IGM AG Young Professionals Committee, Mike Saijo,  on his being one of ten artists selected to be part of the South Pasadena utility box art project!

The City Council approved this project, administered by SPArC (South Pasadena Arts Council), for the promotion of local public art programming and the aesthetic, cultural and social benefits of having works of art in public places. These city-owned utility boxes are located throughout the business district, on Mission Street, Fremont Avenue, and Fair Oaks Avenue. The Utility Box Art Project organizers hope that this project will both invigorate the public spaces and engage the public.  Mike Saijo has been assigned box #4 – Monterey Road/Fair Oaks Avenue.Box #4, as seen in photo above.

As Chair of the Gallery’s Young Professionals Committee, Mike serves as a model and mentor to other artists and small to midsize business startups.  His community capacity building events and exhibitions have spanned from Boyle Hts. to Ojai and beyond to Japan.  His Technology Transfer concepts and developed projects provide 360 degree virtual reality, combined with traditional visual art forms,  his expertise in relationship building and his interest in grant writing demonstrate a holistic approach for artists and others seeking to develop substantive, sustainable business plans and boards of directors.  The IGM Art Gallery Advisory Council works closely with Mike and the Young Professionals Committee to develop and sustain jobs through informing, engaging and empowering to ensure economic self- sufficiency and social justice.