Knoxville Unveils Knox Walls Art Project Next Friday at Emory Place

Knoxville Welcomes the Knox Walls Art Project – An Exciting Addition to Emory Place!

Hey Knoxville! Get ready for some artistic magic happening right here in our lovely city! Knox Walls, the largest art project ever undertaken in Knoxville, is just about ready to make its big debut. This impressive project is gearing up for its unveiling next Friday during the First Friday Art Walk at Emory Place, located just behind the northwestern row of buildings. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

Emory Place has already established itself as a true art/design destination, thanks to fantastic spots like the Lilienthal Gallery, Pivot Point Gallery, and nearby Artisan Woodworking and Design Gallery. And with this new permanent exhibition, the excitement is only going to grow! If you’ve been enchanted by the beautiful murals sprinkled throughout the city, you particularly have the Dogwood Arts organization to thank. Since kicking off their Art in Public Places Mural Program in 2019, they’ve commissioned over fifty dazzling murals across Downtown Knoxville.

What Makes Knox Walls Unique

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting – the Knox Walls project is, as Monty Python might say, “something completely different.” With funding support from a collaborative effort involving Dogwood Arts, Visit Knoxville, Lilienthal Gallery, Tennessee Arts Commission, and ORNL Federal Credit Union, this project boasts a scale that’s unparalleled in our city.

Property owners Ilana Brodt and Johnny & Libby Harb generously offered their buildings for this artistic endeavor. Additionally, Ken Knight and the Crowne Plaza played a vital role as the host hotel for the visiting artists who traveled to Knoxville to work their magic. Most of these talented artists hail from different parts of the country and beyond, and they were chosen from over ninety submissions for their astonishing past work. Alongside four local artists, nine masterful creators have transformed the area into a vibrant canvas.

What to Expect

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its concentration of murals and the sheer scale of the artworks. With several murals towering at two stories tall, this enclosed area promises to deliver an entirely immersive experience. The murals cover a jaw-dropping total area of over 7,000 square feet! The first mural you’ll notice as you approach from Central Street is a stunning 1,100 square foot piece by the renowned Pat Perry. His artwork depicts women as if part of a family scrapbook, exploring the theme of “divas” with diverse takes, including family members, icons like the legendary Pat Summitt, and even nature.

Curious about the vibes surrounding this project? I chatted with local muralist Curtis Glover about his perspective on the initiative. While his own mural is still in the works, Curtis shared that the art created here is meant to stand the test of time, enhanced by UV protection coatings to keep those colors rich for years to come. He believes the caliber of artists involved wouldn’t have been possible without the backing they received. And while many murals might simply be beautiful, Curtis emphasizes that projects like Knox Walls have a tangible impact on the community. “A presence of street art or mural work makes you notice the enlivening cultural spirit of a city,” he explained.

Join the Artistic Celebration

Curtis also pointed out that this project does wonders for local businesses. An influx of art enthusiasts means more foot traffic to nearby restaurants and shops – a win-win! So mark your calendars for October 4th, and come see these captivated works for yourself. The experience will be even better than photographs can capture! We can’t wait to see you at Emory Place and celebrate this incredible burst of creativity in Knoxville!

Participating artists include a mix of established talents from various cities and states, ranging from Knoxville’s own Orel Brodt to international icons like Don Rimx from Puerto Rico and Juan Rozas from Buenos Aires. We’re in for a treat as these unique perspectives come together in one spectacular exhibition!

In conclusion, Knoxville, embrace this beautiful celebration of art and community! Visit Emory Place, experience the magic of Knox Walls, and let’s all support the flourishing arts scene right here in our own backyard!