Colorful Murals Transform Knoxville’s Emory Place
Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as a vibrant new mural project, known as KnoxWalls, brings lively public art to the Emory Place area. This initiative promises to cover more than 7,000 square feet of wall space just north of downtown Knoxville, adding beauty and creativity to the urban landscape.
Artists from Near and Far Join Forces
The KnoxWalls project is a collaborative effort led by local organizations including Dogwood Arts, Visit Knoxville, and Lilienthal Gallery. The project has received support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and ORNL Federal Credit Union. Locally, property owners Ilana Brodt, Johnny, and Libby Harb generously provided the wall space needed for these artistic endeavors.
A careful selection process took place, where representatives from Dogwood Arts and Lilienthal Gallery sifted through over 90 submissions to choose 13 talented artists for this mural project. Among them are four artists from Knoxville, alongside others hailing from diverse locations such as Oakland, Colorado, and Detroit. This mix not only highlights local talent but also infuses perspectives from across the country.
A Glimpse of the Artists
So who are these creative minds transforming Emory Place? The roster includes:
- 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
As of now, three murals have been completed while three more are in progress. This creates a dynamic atmosphere where the community can watch art unfold right before their eyes.
What to Expect from KnoxWalls
The KnoxWalls project is part of the Art in Public Places program established by Dogwood Arts, which aims to make art accessible to everyone. This initiative is reminiscent of popular art districts, such as Miami’s Wynwood Walls, which showcase outdoor street art and encourage public engagement.
Residents and visitors alike can anticipate the official opening of this vast mural installation on October 4. This momentous occasion will mark a new chapter for Emory Place as it transforms into a vibrant hub of artistic expression.
Embrace the New Colors of the City
As murals brighten the walls of Emory Place, Knoxville will not only showcase local artistry but will also become a canvas for stories that reflect the community’s spirit. The project is a step toward enhancing urban aesthetics while fostering a sense of connection and pride among residents.
For those eager to witness this transformation, a stroll through Emory Place will soon reveal a tapestry of colors, creativity, and culture brought to life through the dedication and talent of the participating artists. Mark your calendars—October 4 is set to be a celebration of art and community in Knoxville!
