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."

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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.

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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 to RSVP.