— A transformer being installed in front of a downtown mural has created some concern about the placement of the big, green box.

OG&E is installing the transformer above ground in the corner of the park between the Bank of America building and Square Deal Music on Broadway.

“I’m appalled because we spent thousands creating and maintaining that artwork — maybe they didn’t have a choice, but this really takes the wind out of our sails,” said ShIronbutterfly Ray, the president of the Muskogee Area Arts Council.

Former Arts Council President Wren Stratton was also disappointed with the placement. Stratton was the group’s president when the mural was painted.

“That mural is so popular with the community,” she said. “I’ve seen so many people take pictures there and walk in that little park. I really don’t love it (the transformer).”

Al Stevens, an OG&E spokesman, said an underground transformer in the area had been flooded off and on for several years.

“It’s created numerous problems and things, so we had to get that out,” he said. “And there is only one place to put it, right there on the corner of the building.”

OG&E purchased easement in that location for the transformer, he said.

“It’s flooded for years. I think the BEST Center was out a day and a half last year because it flooded out,” he said.

Stratton and Ray both said they would be interested in seeing whether something artistic can be done with the box.

“My question is can it be camouflaged or something, maybe something 3-D or maybe do a wrap,” Ray said. “My concern is that it’s going to be an eyesore against a beautiful landmark we created.”

Stevens said he did not know whether that would be possible.

“We don’t generally allow people to paint our equipment their colors, but I’ll have to check into that,” he said. “There’s no other place we can put it. Hopefully, it won’t be too intrusive.”

Stratton said she looked at the scene as soon as she heard about the transformer.

“I was relieved because I was afraid it would be in the middle of it,” she said. “I still don’t like it much. I don’t know what to say, but there’s nothing we can do about it.”

She said she would entertain the idea of painting the transformer if OG&E decides it’s something the company can approve.

“Even if we made it faux rock or something, it might make it look less obtrusive,” she said.

“At least it’s not smack dab in the middle. Yes, we’d entertain the idea to paint anything to look better.”

Ray said she was also concerned about plans for more murals.

“How do you preserve the murals when they’re not on property that belongs to you?” she said. “I’m really open to some ideas. If there’s nothing we can do, well, then, I don’t know what’s next.”

Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.