JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
South Pittsburg’s Board of Mayor & Commissioners unanimously agreed to allow a mural be painted directly behind the Princess Theatre by Virginia based artist Cheyenne Renee.
Arts in the Burg board member Mandy Finotti explained during this month’s city meeting how several years ago, she looked into the idea of having murals be painted across different businesses and landmarks within the community to help attract more tourism in the area. In addition to the murals, a website would also have been made to help visitors locate each one across town, as well as provide background information to each’s artistic story. However, due to cutbacks in funding, the project became dormant for some time until last year when Finotti touched base with Renee about potentially painting a mural.
Renee is a well renowned artist who in recent times has been travelling across the United States as part of her “50 in 50” tour. The project revolves her travelling to a location and painting one mural in each state, Tennessee being among one of several yet to be visited. Finotti explained how she and Renee recently touched base about potentially coming to South Pittsburg to paint a mural for the community, specifically one just behind the Princess Theatre where it would be made to pay homage to actress Jobyna Raulston.
“She loved the idea so much that she found a donor who is willing to pay her to come here and do Tennessee’s mural,” said Finotti.
Mandy told the board that for future murals, she and others at Arts in the Burg could potentially look into hosting yearly nominations where residents could vote on which business or historic structure would be next to receive a painted mural. This move would allow time for the organization to raise the funds needed for each mural voted. And when Commissioner Mike Allen asked if South Pittsburg’s mural is indeed the first one made by Renee, Mandy stated the mural would serve as both the state’s first and only one painted by the artist.
“It’s a free 10 by 15 mural. It would take her two days to do, and it’s completely paid for,” said Mandy.
Upon all information shared, the board agreed to allow the mural be painted at the back of the Princess Theatre, paving the way for a potentially new and ongoing project within the community.