Chattanooga Street Art: Murals II
Chattanooga is home to a burgeoning collection of murals whose creativity and significance make a literal stamp on this city. Engaging the community and representing local culture are common themes that weave across each piece of artwork. These murals serve as not only a fun photo opportunity, but an avenue to learn more about the history and culture of Chattanooga.
The MLK Mural: We will not be satisfied until
The Artist
This project was led by Meg Saligman Studios in collaboration with other local artists. With over 25 years of experience developing 40 international artwork, including 3 of America’s largest, it is clear that community and culture are at the center of each piece, including this one.
The Process
According to Saligman’s biography, her work “stems from a deep desire to use public art to give a voice to those who have been marginalized.” This desire is at the forefront of The MLK Mural: We will not be satisfied until as it aims to represent the past, present and future of Chattanooga and honor the local culture of an area undergoing rapid gentrification. To further embody the community that surrounds this mural, each person featured in the artwork represents a historic or living individual who has made a mark in Chattanooga, and E MLK Blvd specifically.
As one of the largest murals in the Southeast and among the top 5 largest in the U.S., the MLK Mural, completed in 2015, spans across 42,179 ft – wrapping an entire block at 300 E MLK Blvd. To complete this 6-month project, over 500 volunteers were recruited to participate in a paint-by-number method, further reinforcing the importance of community in this project.
Saligman writes on her website, “Each wall represents a chapter within an ongoing dialogue, weaving together stories and imagery from current residents seeking to reconcile Chattanooga’s past with its hopeful future,” making this an increasingly important piece of this city to see and experience.
Location: 300 E MLK Blvd on the AT&T Building
Communal Kaleidoscope
The Artist
The Communal Kaleidoscope was a collaborative effort between local artists Alecia Vera and Briah Gober.
Alecia Vera is a Chattanooga-based multi-medium artist inspired by color and play. Vera’s projects range from murals and installations to sculptures and home decor, all of which bring to life the vibrancy and energy of her inspiration.
For Briah Gober, the Communal Kaleidoscope was her debut mural. Gober is a graduate from UTC and has had her work on display at many local establishments, including Stone Cup Café and The Spot.
The Process
In an interview with Scenic Trend, Gober says “The mural itself translates wholeness, togetherness, and inclusivity.” This can be seen in the intersecting patterns, shapes, and colors that stand out as a beacon of creativity stamped on Market St. Reinforcing this, Vera highlights in the same interview that they were “inspired by diversity, fellowship, and community. You’ll notice a ton of visual reference through the figurative aspects as well as the color choices.”
To uphold Gober and Vera’s personal values of sustainability, they limited their material choices to eco-friendly paints, two paint brushes, and one paint tray. Completed in 2021, Communal Kaleidoscope has become a welcome addition to Chattanooga’s strong and growing collection of murals. It’s a must-see (and hard-to-miss) piece of work for anyone interested in experiencing Chattanooga’s creativity, or just looking for a fun photo backdrop.
Location: 1409 Market St. on the side of the Kinley Hotel
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