Eight New Dogwood Arts Murals in Downtown Knoxville This Summer
KNOXVILLE, TN – Work is complete on a new 12x50 foot mural titled “Windows to the Smokies” by Megan Lingerfelt on the side of the Lerner Lofts building in Downtown Knoxville. It is the largest addition to the Dogwood Arts Art in Public Places Mural Program.
Located on the prominent corner of Gay Street and Wall Avenue, the mural brings architectural elements from windows found all over the city (including St. John’s Cathedral, The Oliver Hotel, and several other historic buildings) to eye level, inviting the public to experience the blue haze of the Great Smoky Mountains reflected in them.
Support for the project was provided by Dogwood Arts, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, and the Lerner Lofts Homeowners Association.
Lingerfelt has worked on a number of murals in Strong Alley, a collection of murals from local and regional artists, and the greater Knoxville area. She recently completed the restoration of the Dolly Parton Mural in Strong Alley after it was vandalized. Lingerfelt is one of eight muralists who received funding to create new work during this spring/summer season.
The Art in Public Places Mural Program was established in 2019 to advance existing creative efforts in Strong Alley, transform unique public spaces in the community, provide opportunities for local and regional artists to create new artwork, and improve access to the arts for everyone. Dogwood Arts coordinates and directs this ongoing program in collaboration with artists, property owners, the City of Knoxville, and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. To date, Dogwood Arts has funded the creation and restoration of 22 murals in Downtown Knoxville. Up to this point, efforts have primarily been focused in Strong Alley (between Market Square and Gay Street) which has been a popular canvas for artists and a creative destination for visitors and residents of the city for over a decade.
The Dogwood Arts’ Mural Program provides artist stipends to cover supplies, equipment rentals, anti-graffiti coating, and other needs related to the creation of new artwork or the restoration of an existing piece. Dogwood Arts accepts artist applications to work in the alley on a semi-annual basis; the next round of applications will launch Aug. 3 and are due by Oct. 5. Applications can be found at www.dogwoodarts.com.
Dogwood Arts intends to expand the program outside of Strong Alley, starting with Lingerfelt’s piece on the Lerner Loft building. Business or property owners looking to commission a mural are encouraged to reach out to Dogwood Arts for more information.
