Public Art Chattanooga is encouraging the community to bring relics, mementos and historical items to be photographed and shared with nationally recognized muralist Meg Saligman. Ms. Saligman, along with seven local artists, will use the likeness of these relics to create a transformative mural on the AT&T Building at 300 E. M.L. King Blvd. in Chattanooga’s Innovation District. Ms. Saligman’s work is famous for incorporating the history, stories and future of the neighborhoods where her murals exist.
The M.L. King District mural is a collaborative process and supports Chattanooga’s talent through employing local artists. Last month during public-input sessions, Ms. Saligman gathered ideas from people in Chattanooga to inform the creation and development of the project. Inclusion of local relics will serve as another way for the community to be a part of this monumental mural that will help in the revitalization and beautification of M.L. King Boulevard.
The call for community relics will be held on Thursday, from 5-7 p.m. at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd., Chattanooga, Tn. 37402.
Public Art Chattanooga requests that community members bring a relic, keepsake or heirloom to the session Thursday, share its connection to Chattanooga or the M.L. King District and have one of the artists photograph the memento for consideration of inclusion in the mural. Participants will be able to take their relic home when the leave. While not all mementos will be physically represented in the final work, Ms. Saligman says all the relics will influence and inspire the mural.
The M.L. King District Mural Project is possible through funding from the Lyndhurst and Benwood Foundations and support of project partners, including AT&T.
For more information, contact Public Art Chattanooga at publicart@chattanooga.gov.