'Sounds of Our Soul,' designed and painted by local artist Jason Flack, in collaboration with youth centers
Johnson City, Tennessee, has, over the past decade and a half, become a haven for artists and public art. The Johnson City Public Arts Committee was established in 2010 by Public Works Director Phil Pindzola, who wanted to establish and support a thriving arts community in Johnson City’s downtown. Since then, the city has come alive with displays of vibrant visual art, including murals, sculptures and traffic wraps.
The mission of the JCPA is “To enhance the livability and creative identity of the community through arts-based engagement with the public.” Walking or driving around the downtown area, you can see artistic expressions rivaling displays that can be found in much larger cities.
Located in the Legion Recreation Center is a mural called “Sounds of Our Soul,” designed and painted by local artist Jason Flack, in collaboration with youth centers coordinated by Slocumb Galleries’ community engagement educator Lyn Govette. This mural depicts a diverse array of notable local musicians, including the world-famous Black singer and songwriter Amythyst Kiah, Latinx Jose Castillo, Asian musician Fiddlin’ Leona, Native American Daniel Bigey and well-known Appalachian performer Ed Snodderly.
Sculptures spring up in unexpected places. One piece, titled “Cotyledon Rising,” was made by artist David Boyajian.
Many previously exclusively-utilitarian electrical boxes around town have been brightened with eye-catching paintings, including one located at the corner of University Parkway and South Roan Street.
Pedestrians who enter the breezeways between downtown streets are treated to mini-galleries filled with delightful art, including graffiti-style pieces called “I Hope You’re Having a Good Day,” created by LuckyKatMurals, and “DEEF (Dinosaurs Could Have Been Friendly),” from the Art Struck Festival.
