On June 18, 2024, the MLK neighborhood experienced quite an accomplishment: The EPB substation mural project was completed. A ceremony for the artists and community took place and revealed the plentiful colors that would now line 10th Street. The theme of the newly unveiled works is “The Magic of Unity,” which is comprised of 10 murals. These are placed parallel to Douglas Heights Apartments.
Back in January, the EPB company put out an open art call to find local muralists willing to dedicate their time to the substation mural project. Ten were selected, and they vivaciously crafted one-of-a-kind pieces to represent the neighborhood. Listed at right are the artists and their works.
“We affirm our shared commitment to creating a city where creativity can thrive,” Mayor Tim Kelly announced at the ceremony. The resurgence of art can blatantly be seen amongst the streets of Chattanooga. Public art in this area has seen a significant increase due to this creativity movement. An enormous thanks goes to all the local artists who have participated in adding personality to the city. Projects like the EPB murals are increasing citizen engagement, as well as tourist engagement. Public art projects are unique ways to instill the culture and knowledge of the town into minds everywhere. Learning about Chattanooga’s past and characteristics is extremely important for providing protection of the city itself. The public art takes a creative turn on this, while communicating the artists’ own personal expressions. These ten murals are the latest take on the rich history the city has to offer.
The entire project has an overarching theme of “The Soul of MLK,” giving well-deserved recognition to the culture and community. The neighborhood is historically significant, as it was an area where African American artists could thrive in a time of chaos and violence. Long before the name was Martin Luther King Boulevard, it was known as 9th Street, or the Big Nine. In the 20th century, the South was heavy with segregation and racism, and 9th Street became one of the few vibrant areas for African American owned businesses. Black artists created music beyond compare and were able to express it here. Staple blues and jazz tunes were created among the Big Nine path.
More recently, the neighborhood is having a resurgence of hustle. New businesses are opening up in the area, giving it back to its former glory. The mural project is just one of several efforts to revitalize the MLK neighborhood. Many businesses and companies in the area participated in helping this artistic plan come to life, coming to a final reveal after four years.
In total, the creation is made of 41 unique murals, each telling a tale of sacrifice and advocacy. The idea of unity and expression is made clear in these vibrant pieces of art. Each has a special connection to the thriving MLK neighborhood history it had once before. The passion and determination is made apparent, as these artists put everything they had into presenting the message, using their own artistic twist. These murals are filled with pride for the MLK neighborhood, while encompassing all of Chattanooga.
by Page Jenkins
Back in January, the EPB company put out an open art call to find local muralists willing to dedicate their time to the substation mural project. Ten were selected, and they vivaciously crafted one-of-a-kind pieces to represent the neighborhood. Listed at right are the artists and their works.
“We affirm our shared commitment to creating a city where creativity can thrive,” Mayor Tim Kelly announced at the ceremony. The resurgence of art can blatantly be seen amongst the streets of Chattanooga. Public art in this area has seen a significant increase due to this creativity movement. An enormous thanks goes to all the local artists who have participated in adding personality to the city. Projects like the EPB murals are increasing citizen engagement, as well as tourist engagement. Public art projects are unique ways to instill the culture and knowledge of the town into minds everywhere. Learning about Chattanooga’s past and characteristics is extremely important for providing protection of the city itself. The public art takes a creative turn on this, while communicating the artists’ own personal expressions. These ten murals are the latest take on the rich history the city has to offer.
The entire project has an overarching theme of “The Soul of MLK,” giving well-deserved recognition to the culture and community. The neighborhood is historically significant, as it was an area where African American artists could thrive in a time of chaos and violence. Long before the name was Martin Luther King Boulevard, it was known as 9th Street, or the Big Nine. In the 20th century, the South was heavy with segregation and racism, and 9th Street became one of the few vibrant areas for African American owned businesses. Black artists created music beyond compare and were able to express it here. Staple blues and jazz tunes were created among the Big Nine path.
More recently, the neighborhood is having a resurgence of hustle. New businesses are opening up in the area, giving it back to its former glory. The mural project is just one of several efforts to revitalize the MLK neighborhood. Many businesses and companies in the area participated in helping this artistic plan come to life, coming to a final reveal after four years.
In total, the creation is made of 41 unique murals, each telling a tale of sacrifice and advocacy. The idea of unity and expression is made clear in these vibrant pieces of art. Each has a special connection to the thriving MLK neighborhood history it had once before. The passion and determination is made apparent, as these artists put everything they had into presenting the message, using their own artistic twist. These murals are filled with pride for the MLK neighborhood, while encompassing all of Chattanooga.
by Page Jenkins
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