Peggy Townsend describes project
Officials said Tuesday they expect a massive mural planned on a tall MLK Boulevard building by a renowned muralist will be a big draw for the area.
City Councilman Moses Freeman said, "This is going to be a destination point. People are going to come here to see it. I guarantee it."
He added, "She's world-renowned. We're going to be famous by having her work here."
The council on Tuesday night approved accepting $50,000 from the Benwood Foundation and $150,000 from the Lyndhurst Foundation for the mural by Meg Saligman of Philadelphia. No city funds will be spent on the project.
The preliminary steps on the mural are set to be taken soon, and it is expected to be in place on three sides of the AT&T Building (all but the back) by the end of the year.
Peggy Townsend, who directs the city's public art program, said Ms. Saligman will be coming here to listen to members of the community on their ideas for the work.
She said Ms. Saligman will also be hiring apprentice artists for the project and will interview them herself. Those applying must be 18 or over and live within a 50-mile range of Chattanooga.
Ms. Townsend said, "This is going to make a big impact on the MLK Boulevard area in a way that we haven't seen before."
She said the AT&T Building is ideal for the project - a big massive structure devoid of windows."
Ms. Townsend said, "This will bring a massive presence for a world-class building. It is going to be a landmark building that people will go to see and visit. It will go hand in hand with the redevelopment of MLK Boulevard."
She told the council that Ms. Saligman is "probably the best muralist in the country."
She said Ms. Saligman has already made one visit here to meet with some of the stakeholders.
Councilman Russell Gilbert said he has his ideas about the content of the mural. He said, "I hope some of the history of 'Big 9' will be included."