As if there was a lack of artistic socio-political controversy these days, the Knoxville arts scene found itself this week embroiled in the never-ceasing argument over that nebulous line between graffiti and street art—or, more correctly in this case, between creation and destruction. The Dolly Parton mural located in Strong Alley was recently vandalized, leaving many with emotions ranging from anger to resignation. The vandalism also impacted four other murals in Strong Alley.
The un-commissioned Dolly mural in “Artist’s Alley” was completed in 2019 by Colton Valentine, a street artist/muralist based in San Antonio, Texas. Valentine is known for large-scale murals featuring rappers like Cardi B, Soulja Boy, and 21 Savage.
Dogwood Arts alerted Valentine to the vandalism and consulted with him, asking local artist Megan Lingerfelt to restore and enhance the piece. Lingerfelt feels this is a perfect opportunity to enhance the artwork with new design elements that evoke the spirit of Parton. Dogwood Arts has announced that it is providing funding for the restoration through the Art in Public Places Mural Program. The restoration work will begin immediately and last a few weeks. Dogwood Arts says that visitors can expect to see “a few new design elements (new lips, earrings, maybe even a butterfly or two…) as well as a layer of anti-graffiti coating.”
“The Art in Public Places Mural Program was developed by Dogwood Arts to highlight mural artists working in our region and to encourage other artists to add mural art to their repertoire. The work Dogwood Arts is encouraging in Strong Alley is meant to further enhance the vibrant urban space created by a unique collaboration of artists and property owners that has existed for more than a decade. Artists or property owners who are interested in learning more about the mural program can email [email protected] . The Art in Public Places Mural Program is sponsored by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, the City of Knoxville, and ORNL Federal Credit Union.”
