SmartStop Announces Winners of North American Door Wrap Contest
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (NYSE: SMA), a leading owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the United States and Canada, has announced the winners of its North American Door Wrap Design Contest. The contest sought to transform ordinary storage unit doors into works of art, providing artists with a unique canvas and celebrating their creativity.
Eleven winning artists have each been awarded a $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity to have their original artwork featured on an exterior storage unit door at SmartStop’s Ladera Ranch, California location. SmartStop anticipates completing the installation of these designs by June 15th. In addition to the top prize winners, several other artists will receive $300 honorable mention prizes for their exceptional submissions.
Winning Artists:
The eleven artists whose designs will be brought to life at the Ladera Ranch SmartStop facility are:
- Jennifer Geiger – Sarasota, Florida
- Finn Rodriguez – Largo, Florida
- Mariana Thornton – Commerce City, Colorado
- Lynn Hurley – Castle Rock, Colorado
- Robert Panzer – Peoria, Arizona
- Cody Taylor – Davis, California
- Lisa Ng – Redmond, Washington
- Sergio Cuellar – Riverside, California
- Shirley P. Dutcher – Lady Lake, Florida
- Dawn Crandall – Anchorage, Alaska
- Justine Anderson – Waukesha, Wisconsin
These artists’ original designs promise to transform the everyday storage unit into a vibrant display of artistic talent, creating a visually stimulating and engaging experience for SmartStop customers and team members alike.
A Canvas for Inspiration:
H. Michael Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of SmartStop, expressed his enthusiasm for the contest and its impact: “This contest was about more than just decorating a door—it was about giving artists across the U.S. and Canada a canvas to inspire. We were blown away by the creativity and passion in the submissions and can’t wait for our customers to experience the results in person.”
The contest aimed to go beyond mere decoration, offering artists a platform to express their artistic vision and share it with a wider audience. The overwhelming response and the high caliber of submissions highlighted the depth of artistic talent across North America.
SmartStop’s initiative not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of its facility but also underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the arts and fostering creativity within the communities it serves. By turning functional storage spaces into art installations, SmartStop is creating a unique and memorable experience for its customers, transforming a routine task into an opportunity to appreciate art.
The selection of Ladera Ranch, California, as the location for this artistic transformation adds another layer of significance to the project. Located in a community known for its appreciation of arts and culture, the SmartStop facility will become a destination in its own right, attracting attention and sparking conversations.
The installation of the winning designs is expected to be a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure that the artwork is displayed to its full potential. SmartStop’s commitment to completing the installation by June 15th demonstrates the company’s dedication to bringing this vision to life in a timely manner.
The North American Door Wrap Design Contest represents an innovative approach to community engagement, showcasing how businesses can collaborate with artists to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Artists gain exposure and recognition for their work, while SmartStop enhances its brand image and creates a more vibrant and welcoming environment for its customers.
The contest also highlights the often-overlooked potential of everyday spaces to become canvases for artistic expression. By transforming storage unit doors, SmartStop is challenging conventional notions of where art can be displayed and appreciated. This initiative could inspire other businesses to explore similar opportunities to integrate art into their operations.
The positive response to the contest and the anticipated impact of the art installations suggest that this initiative will be a success for both SmartStop and the winning artists. The project is expected to generate significant interest and media attention, further amplifying the reach of the artwork and the message of the contest.
SmartStop’s decision to award both top prizes and honorable mentions demonstrates a commitment to recognizing a wide range of artistic talent. By providing financial support and opportunities for exposure, SmartStop is playing a role in nurturing the arts community and encouraging artists to continue pursuing their creative passions.
The long-term impact of this project remains to be seen, but it has the potential to become a model for how businesses can partner with the arts to create meaningful and lasting contributions to their communities. SmartStop’s North American Door Wrap Design Contest is a testament to the power of art to transform spaces, inspire people, and enrich lives.
