Knoxville History Project - Downtown Art Wraps Historical Markers
Knoxville History Project's Downtown Arts Wraps uses traffic engineering boxes to display the artwork of some of East Tennessee's most prominent artists. Each wrap includes an interpretive panel featuring a photograph and short biography of the artist.
On Broadway SW at West Jackson Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Broadway SW.
Morning, 1921, Oil on canvas, 47 x 41 inches Knoxville Museum of Art; 1972 purchase by the Women’s Committee of the Dulin Gallery.
Recognized as one of Knoxville’s most influential artists of the early 20th century, Catherine . . . — — Map (db m223855) HM
On East Hill Avenue at Volunteer Landing Lane, on the right when traveling east on East Hill Avenue.
Untitled, circa 1930-1934
Oil on canvas board
Knoxville Museum of Art, 2009 gift of Dr. and Mrs. William J. McCoy III
Born of German parents who settled in the area before the Civil War, Charles Christopher Krutch spent most of his . . . — — Map (db m222649) HM
On James White Greenway 0.1 miles east of Neyland Greenway, on the right when traveling east.
Private Collection
Peregrine Falcon, 1943, Tempura on Board
A local naturalist and self-taught artist, Earl Henry is often better known as the Knoxville dental officer who perished on the ill-fated USS Indianapolis at the end of World . . . — — Map (db m223864) HM
On James White Greenway 0.2 miles east of Fayland Greenway, on the right when traveling east.
Private Collection
Red-winged Blackbird, 1942 or 1943, Tempura on Board
A local naturalist and self-taught artist, Earl Henry is often better known as the Knoxville dental officer who perished on the ill-fated USS Indianapolis at . . . — — Map (db m223865) HM
On James White Greenway 0.3 miles east of Neyland Greenway, on the right when traveling east.
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture
Moonlight Seashore, 1923, Oil on Canvas
Hugh Tyler who studied art at the Pratt Institute and in Europe, worked form a studio in the Fort Sanders neighborhood and is best remembered for his . . . — — Map (db m223867) HM
On South Gay Street at West Church Avenue, on the left when traveling north on South Gay Street.
Born in northern Knox County (now part of Union County), Lloyd Branson is regarded perhaps as Knoxville's finest professional artist. Branson's family moved to Knoxville in 1868, and exhibited extraordinary talent as a youngster. After studying at . . . — — Map (db m134898) HM
On East Magnolia Avenue (U.S. 70) at Winona Street, on the left when traveling west on East Magnolia Avenue.
When it was completed in 1888, Magnolia Avenue was a broad, modern boulevard, a clean, quiet option to living in dirty, crowded downtown Knoxville.
Today, Magnolia Avenue hosts hundreds of magnolia trees, but it was named for a woman. Magnolia . . . — — Map (db m178109) HM
On East Magnolia Avenue (U.S. 70) at North Bertrand Street, on the left when traveling west on East Magnolia Avenue.
The long brick building on the left, between Austin and Bertrand, is the old Swan’s Bakery. It opened its new modern plant with some fanfare in 1927, and was so proud of it that Swan’s invited the public to see it, and even made the bakery . . . — — Map (db m178111) HM
On East Magnolia Avenue (U.S. 70) at Jessamine Street, on the left when traveling west on East Magnolia Avenue.
Magnolia Avenue has long been an important thoroughfare for Knoxvillians. The city's first electric streetcar carried passengers from downtown to Chilhowee Park via Magnolia Ave. Beginning in 1890 its builder was William Gibbs McAdoo, who in the . . . — — Map (db m178115) HM
On Wall Avenue at South Gay Street, on the left when traveling west on Wall Avenue.
A Knoxville native, Robert Birdwell grew up in the Lonsdale area before moving to Kingsport, Tenn. The GI Bill allowed him back to move back to Knoxville to study at the University of Tennessee and from there he attended the University of Iowa's . . . — — Map (db m134893) HM
On James White Greenway 0.6 miles west of James White Parkway, on the right when traveling east.
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture
The Passing Show, 1925, Oil on Canvas
Born in Vienna, Austria, Rudolph Ingerle became known as "The Painter of the Smokies" and became an advocate for their protection through the . . . — — Map (db m223868) HM
On East Magnolia Avenue (U.S. 70) at Winona Street, on the left when traveling west on East Magnolia Avenue.
Untitled Abstract, 1960
Beck Cultural Exchange Center Collection
Born in Knoxville, Ruth Cobb Brice graduated from Swift Memorial College, a historically Black college in Rogersville, and was soon teaching at schools in Rogersville, . . . — — Map (db m178107) HM
On East Magnolia Avenue (U.S. 70) at North Bertrand Street, on the left when traveling west on East Magnolia Avenue.
Untitled Abstract, 1960
Beck Cultural Exchange Center Collection
Born in Knoxville, Ruth Cobb Brice graduated from Swift Memorial College, a historically Black college in Rogersville, and was soon teaching at schools in Rogersville, . . . — — Map (db m178110) HM
On Hall of Fame Drive at Historic Preservation Way, on the left when traveling south on Hall of Fame Drive.
Untitled, 1970
Born in Knoxville, Ruth Cobb Brice graduated from Swift Memorial College, a historically Black college in Rogersville, and was soon teaching at schools in Rogersville, Greeneville, and La Follette. During the summer months . . . — — Map (db m222648) HM
On East Hill Avenue at James White Parkway, on the left when traveling north on East Hill Avenue.
Abstract Landscape with Birds, 1965
Born in Knoxville, Ruth Cobb Brice graduated from Swift Memorial College, a historically Black college in Rogersville, and was soon teaching at schools in Rogersville, Greeneville, and LaFollette. . . . — — Map (db m223857) HM
On Main Street Southwest at Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street Southwest.
Italian-born sculptor Albert Milani's majestic marble eagles crown the Art Deco-style Tennessee Supreme Court building across the street, constructed in the early 1930s. Tennessee marble, perhaps Knoxville's most famous natural resource, has been . . . — — Map (db m134878) HM
On Clinch Avenue at Henley Street (U.S. 70), on the left when traveling east on Clinch Avenue.
Internationally acclaimed modern artist Beauford Delaney was born in 1901 in a small wooden house on Knoxville’s East Vine Street. His father was a Methodist preacher and ran a barber shop to make ends meet. Beauford always loved to draw, even in . . . — — Map (db m152124) HM
On South Gay Street at Main Street Southwest, on the right when traveling north on South Gay Street.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Kermit "Buck" Ewing graduated from Carnegie Mellon University where he later taught art. Ewing started the University of Tennessee's visual arts program after moving to Knoxville in 1948. The department began with 35 . . . — — Map (db m134900) HM
On Cumberland Avenue at 11th Street, on the left when traveling east on Cumberland Avenue.
Quarry Place and the Crucified Tree, 1959
Oil on canvas, 40x50 inches, University of Tennessee, Ewing Gallery
Carl Sublett in rural eastern Kentucky. Growing up in a small mining town he became fascinated with coal trains, inspiring his first . . . — — Map (db m221652) HM
On Henley Street at West Church Avenue, in the median on Henley Street.
Broomsage, 1958
Oil on canvas, 40x50 inches, University of Tennessee Ewing Gallery
Cart Sublett was born in rural eastern Kentucky. Growing up in a small mining
town he became fascinated with coal trains, inspiring his first drawings at age . . . — — Map (db m221812) HM
On Union Avenue at South Gay Street, on the right when traveling east on Union Avenue.
Recognized as one of Knoxville’s most influential artists of the early 20th century, Catherine Wiley was born near Knoxville in Coal Creek (later Lake City, now Rocky Top). Her father worked in the coal industry before moving the family to Knoxville . . . — — Map (db m134895) HM
On South Gay Street north of Clinch Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Born of German parents who settled in the area before the Civil War, Charles Christopher Krutch spent most of his life in Knoxville, the family home not far from here at 914 East Hill Avenue. Without formal training, Krutch worked throughout his . . . — — Map (db m134896) HM
On Cumberland Avenue at Walnut Street, on the right when traveling west on Cumberland Avenue.
Born of German parents who settled in the area before the Civil War, Charles Christopher Krutch spent most of his life in Knoxville, the family home not far from here at 914 East Hill Avenue. Without formal training, Krutch worked throughout his . . . — — Map (db m177960) HM
On Main Street SW at Locust Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street SW.
Immature Red-tailed Hawk, 1944
Tempera on Board, 13 5/8 x 16 inches
Earl Henry, a local naturalist and taught artist, is often better known as the Knoxville dental officer who perished on the ill-fated USS
Indianapolis at the . . . — — Map (db m221831) HM
On State Street at West Church Avenue, on the right when traveling north on State Street.
Madonna and Child, 1899, Knaffl Brothers
(Knoxville photography studio, active 1884-1908)
Photographic print, McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, Gift of Andrew Hurst, 1980.14.1.
Joseph Knaffl was born in . . . — — Map (db m221922) HM
On State Street at West Church Avenue, on the right when traveling north on State Street.
Knaffl and Brother photographic studio built this stylish three-story building at the southwest corner of Gay and Church in 1909. The firm included Joseph Knaffl and his brother, Samuel, as well as Ervin Meyer, and specialized in high-quality . . . — — Map (db m221927) HM
On West Church Avenue at Locust Street, on the right when traveling east on West Church Avenue.
Lawson McGhee Library (west panel) ”I intend to erect a building to be used as a public library, and at the same time, a memorial to a beloved child.” -Charles McClung McGhee
The original Lawson McGhee Library was the first . . . — — Map (db m134882) HM
On Henley Street at Cumberland Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Henley Street.
In 1811, influential citizens supported the building of the Knoxville Female Academy on the present corner of Main and Henley, now the site of Church Street United Methodist Church across the street. However, the school wasn't to open until 1827. . . . — — Map (db m221826) HM
On West Summit Hill Drive at South Gay Street, on the right when traveling east on West Summit Hill Drive.
Face of a City, 1957
Oil on canvas
Knoxville Museum of Art, 1986 gift of the Knoxville Arts Center
A Knoxville native, Robert Birdwell grew up in the Lonsdale area before moving to Kingsport, Tenn. The GI Bill allowed him back to move back . . . — — Map (db m221653) HM
On Clinch Avenue at Locust Street, on the right when traveling west on Clinch Avenue.
Smoky Mountains, circa 1925
Oil on canvas, 20 x 24 inches
Knoxville Museum of Art, gift of the Haslam family in honor of Steve Bailey's 60th birthday.
Born in Vienna, Austria, Rudolph Ingerle and his family immigrated to the United . . . — — Map (db m221731) HM
On Henley Street at Cumberland Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Henley Street.
East Tennessee Female Institute, circa 1828 (painted 1960)
Oil on Canvas, 16 x 20 inches
Ossoli Circle Collection
Russell Briscoe was an unlikely artist. Raised in the Fort Sanders neighborhood, he
enjoyed an idyllic childhood in a . . . — — Map (db m221817) HM
On South Gay Street at Cumberland Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Gay Street.
Staub’s Theatre, circa 1897 (painted 1974)
Oil on Canvas, 22 x 30 inches
Russell Briscoe was an unlikely artist. Raised in the Fort Sanders neighborhood, he enjoyed an idyllic childhood in a prosperous family. As might have been . . . — — Map (db m221931) HM
On West Summit Hill Drive Southwest at Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on West Summit Hill Drive Southwest.
King David, 1960s
Casein/mixed media (paper, paint): 24 x 20 inches
East Tennessee Historical Society
Born in Knoxville, Ted Burnett grew up in the Halls area (his father was a Polish immigrant who ran a clothing store on Gay Street) and . . . — — Map (db m221732) HM
On West Summit Hill Drive at Locust Street, on the right when traveling east on West Summit Hill Drive.
King David, 1960s
Casein/mixed media (paper, paint): 24 x 20 inches
East Tennessee Historical Society
Born in Knoxville, Ted Burnett grew up in the Halls area (his father was a Polish immigrant who ran a clothing store on Gay Street) . . . — — Map (db m221736) HM
On East Magnolia Avenue (U.S. 70) at Jessamine Street, on the left when traveling west on East Magnolia Avenue.
Untitled (New York City), circa 1945
Watercolor on Paper, 15.5 x 22.4 inches, Knoxville Museum of Art
2014 purchase with funds provided by the KMA Collectors Circle
Internationally acclaimed modern artist Beauford Delaney was born in 1901 . . . — — Map (db m178114) HM
On Hall of Fame Drive at East 5th Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Hall of Fame Drive.
Birds, People, Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, circa 1948-1954
Egg tempera on board, 14 ½ x 20 inches
Knoxville Museum of Art, 1999 gift of Thomas G. Davis
Charles Griffin Farr was a realist painter, recognized, according to the . . . — — Map (db m222642) HM
On Hall of Fame Drive at East 5th Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Hall of Fame Drive.
More than a century ago, thousands of Knoxvillians of all races and economic circumstances travelled along Magnolia Avenue regularly, as they rode the streetcar from downtown. Chilhowee Park offered swimming, dancing, drama, bowling, and baseball, . . . — — Map (db m222645) HM
On North Broadway (U.S. 441) at North Central Street, on the right when traveling south on North Broadway.
Morning Milking Time, circa 1915
Oil on Canvas, 46 x 36 ¼ inches
Knoxville Museum of Art, 2012 joint purchase of the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, Knox County Public Library, and the KMA with funds provided by the C. M. . . . — — Map (db m223854) HM
On 11th Street at Western Avenue, on the right when traveling north on 11th Street.
Untitled (#320), 1945
Pastel on paper 61 x 14 inches
Knoxville Museum of Art, 2001 Artscapes purchase with funds provided by Marie and Bob Alcorn, Barbara and Steve Apking, Barbara and Bernard E. Bernstein, Lane and Charles Hays, . . . — — Map (db m223856) HM
On West Summit Hill Drive Southwest at State Street, on the right when traveling west on West Summit Hill Drive Southwest.
Landscape Redesigned, 1943
Oil on canvas
Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Kermit "Buck" Ewing graduated from Carnegie Mellon University where he later taught art. Ewing started the University of Tennessee's visual arts program after moving to . . . — — Map (db m221665) HM
On West Summit Hill Drive at South Central Avenue, on the left when traveling east on West Summit Hill Drive.
"Agglomerate," 1967
Watercolor on paper, 18x24 inches
Knoxville Museum of Art, gift of Janice Clarke
Born in Indiana, Richard Clarke earned his MFA from the University of Wisconsin before serving as a gunner on a U.S. bomber in World . . . — — Map (db m221661) HM
