The Shaking Ray Levi Society announces extended hours for the Wayne-O-Rama installation during the holiday season. Wayne-O-Rama, a yearlong installation at the Tenn Arts studio at 1800 Rossville Ave., #108, is Chattanooga’s newest attraction and features the Scenic City’s history via the work of Wayne White, called "one of the most exciting artists in America" by Esquire Magazine.
Until Wednesday, the installation will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., including News Years Eve and New Years Day. Wayne-O-Rama will resume its regular hours operating Wednesday-Sunday after Jan. 4.
“This project is a dream come true after four years of planning,” says Bob Stagner, executive director of the SRLS. “We hoped to combine Wayne White’s talent for telling stories though art with Chattanooga’s fascinating history and this adventure is just beginning.”
Over 400 volunteers from Chattanooga and around the United States worked on the first phase of the project’s build-out from September to the Nov. 19 opening. Additions are planned throughout the year and a robust schedule of concerts, student field trips and workshops will allow people of all ages to celebrate creativity in this space.
Review for Wayne-O-Rama:
Magic Lookout Mountain is the focal point as guests enter this installation created by four time Emmy Award winning artist Wayne White. From Rock City and its famous view of the seven states to Ruby Falls and Point Park, this massive interactive installation is the centerpiece of a fantastic history funhouse. From the intricate animals, moving parts and figures, this mountain is built from wood spines, bicycle gears and shaped Styrofoam and tells the story of Chattanooga’s famous mountain. The Chickamauga warrior Chief Dragging Canoe looms over this main room, his fierce visage, waterfall and village another testament to the rich drama of the region’s history.
Bob Brandy, who hosted a beloved children's TV show, is center stage in a gallery also featuring giant Civil War generals and intricate puppet heads celebrating daring figures from throughout Chattanooga's history. Meet Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to ever earn the Medal of Honor, fearless Cherokee leader Nancy Ward, legendary publisher Adolph Ochs and more on a journey through history that captivates and educates.
Admission to this history funhouse is free, with all voluntary donations going to sustain Wayne-O-Rama and its educational outreach programs. The gift shop offers Wayne White's book "Maybe Now I'll Get The Attention I So Richly Deserve," signed posters, caps, patches, postcards, bumper stickers, t-shirts and coonskin caps.
Presented by See Rock City, Inc., Wayne-O-Rama is produced by the Shaking Ray Levi Society at Tenn Arts with support from the Benwood Foundation, the Footprints Foundation, the Lyndhurst Foundation and the McKenzie Foundation. The Shaking Ray Levi Society (shakingray.com) is a funded agency of ArtsBuild of Chattanooga.
For project information and private reservation requests, contact project manager Bob Stagner at wayneoramacha@gmail.com, 902-8021 or visit wayneorama.com.