Legacy Parks Foundation has launched its “Put the SoKno in SoKno” fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $25,000 to create one of the most recognizable features along the future SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk: 10-foot-tall metal letters spelling SOKNO.
The “Put the SoKno in SoKno” campaign is just the beginning of what’s coming to the SoKno Art Walk. Over the next few months, the trail will begin to take shape as a vibrant outdoor art experience, with new features and installations appearing along the route.
This is the first step in bringing art to the trail. The 10-foot-tall SOKNO letters will become a colorful, larger-than-life mural and signature photo opportunity along the Art Walk.
The next addition will be the placement of a historic train engine on the trail that will be transformed with a mural, creating another eye-catching piece of public art along the trail.
The Art Walk will launch with four sculptures and four murals, bringing creativity and local character to the trail. Trail users can begin seeing these installations pop up as early as September, with additional pieces added over the following weeks.
The art will be woven throughout the 3.8-mile SoKno Rail Trail, giving trail users new reasons to stop, explore and experience South Knoxville in a different way. Together, the installations will create an outdoor gallery that celebrates the creativity, history and unique character of the SoKno community.
One of the most anticipated features will be the 10-foot-tall metal letters spelling SOKNO. Legacy Parks is raising $25,000 to bring the letters to life and transform each one into a colorful mural. The installation will become a signature gathering and photo spot along the Art Walk – a place for trail users to celebrate South Knoxville and capture a little piece of SoKno.
“With great community support, we are able to continue to add fun, interesting and intriguing elements along the trail to make it a fun experience for all – young and old, local or visitors, runners, walkers, cyclists, art enthusiasts or those who are just plain curious,” said Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.
Gifts of any amount will move the project closer to its $25,000 goal, or donors can sponsor an individual letter for $5,000 and receive special recognition on signage at the installation.
To support the campaign and help Put the SoKno in SoKno, visit https://tinyurl.com/SoKnoArtWalk.
Sarah Rump, marketing director for Legacy Parks, contributed information and quotes for this report.
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes the Let’s Talk series for KnoxTNToday – Let’s Talk – Outdoors archive. Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get daily articles in one place with our free newsletter. Send comments to news@knoxtntoday.com/.
