Knoxville Embraces Color with New Mural Project
Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as a new mural project is transforming the area known as Emory Place. This initiative is adding big, beautiful public art pieces that are destined to inspire and attract attention.
A Bright Addition to the City
The murals cover an impressive area of more than 7,000 square feet of wall space, just north of downtown Knoxville. This project, named KnoxWalls, is a collaboration between several local organizations, including Dogwood Arts, Visit Knoxville, and Lilienthal Gallery. Additionally, funding and support came from the Tennessee Arts Commission and ORNL Federal Credit Union.
Property owners Ilana Brodt, and Johnny and Libby Harb, have generously provided the wall space that is enabling artists to showcase their talents and fill this area with color and creativity.
From Numerous Submissions to Selected Artists
A total of over 90 submissions were received from artists who hoped to be part of this exciting project. Out of those, a panel comprising members from Dogwood Arts and Lilienthal Gallery selected 13 artists to bring their visions to life on the large walls.
Meet the Artists
These talented individuals come from various places, with a good representation from Knoxville itself. The selected artists include:
- ARCY (Ryan Christenson), North Haven, Connecticut
- Orel Brodt, Knoxville, Tennessee
- DETOUR (Thomas Evans), Denver, Colorado
- Cole Eisenhour, Ogden, Utah
- Curtis Glover, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Naomi Haverland, Titusville, Florida
- Megan Lingerfelt, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Gared Luquet, Knoxville, Tennessee
- The Obanoth (Hannah Webb), Los Angeles, California
- Pat Perry, Detroit, Michigan
- Don Rimx (David Sepulveda), Orlando, Florida and Puerto Rico
- Juan Rozas, Miami, Florida and Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith, Oakland, California
Progress in Action
As of mid-August, three murals have already been completed, while three more are currently being worked on. Artists are bringing their unique styles to these large canvases, creating an outdoor gallery that the public can enjoy. This project is part of the broader Art in Public Places program, which aims to beautify the city and make art accessible to everyone.
A Taste of Outdoor Art Culture
KnoxWalls is inspired by art districts like Miami’s Wynwood Walls, offering a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors. This outdoor street art project reflects a growing appreciation for public installations and street art in urban areas.
Mark Your Calendars
The official opening of KnoxWalls is scheduled for October 4. Residents and tourists are encouraged to come and experience the community’s creativity firsthand. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious about what Knoxville’s mural scene has to offer, this installation is sure to leave a vibrant mark on the city’s artistic landscape.
As we look forward to the unveiling, the excitement is palpable in Knoxville. With the promise of more murals to come, the Emory Place area is poised to become a lively hub of creativity and inspiration.
