Artists sought to create mural at Knoxville’s Cal Johnson Recreation Center

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The City of Knoxville is seeking an artist or group to create a sprawling work of public art at the Cal Johnson Recreation Center.

Up to five artists will be selected by the Knoxville Public Arts Committee to create a colorful, site-specific mural measuring approximately 45 feet wide and 12 feet tall. A Request For Qualifications states the committee is seeking an artist who, “considers the historic nature of the building and surrounding neighborhood.”

Built in 1957 at 507 South Hall of Fame Drive, the recreation center was named for Caldonia Fackler Johnson. He was a former slave who became a successful businessman and Knoxville’s first Black billionaire.

The budget for the project is $25,000. All artists are welcome to apply but local artists are especially encouraged. Works previously created for other spaces are discouraged and works previously exhibited in other locales are disqualified.

Click here to view the full Request For Qualifications , which includes project details, requirements for submission, and application form.

The submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m. The goal is to complete the project by Spring 2025. A Technical Assistance Zoom workshop will be held on Monday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. Email info@knoxalliance.com to RSVP.

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