ArtBeat: New SoKno murals bring public art into focus as Knoxville celebrates the arts

Two new murals in South Knoxville are putting public art in the spotlight this week, while galleries, theaters and performance venues across East Tennessee offer a full calendar of creative experiences.

From neighborhood artwork to independent films, orchestral music and intimate gallery exhibitions, this week’s ArtBeat offers plenty of reasons to explore the local arts scene.

SoKno murals bring art, nature and Appalachian heritage together

South Knoxville is becoming an outdoor art gallery as two new large-scale murals take shape along the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk, adding color, history and storytelling to one of the area’s most anticipated recreational projects.

Legacy Parks Foundation recently announced the installations by Tennessee artist Whitney Herrington and New York City-based artist Key Detail. Their works join a growing collection of murals and sculptures that will eventually transform a 1.5-mile section of the trail into an outdoor art destination.

At Landing Health, Herrington’s mural, Second Nature, celebrates the natural beauty of East Tennessee. The design features a woman surrounded by two herons, flowing water and oversized dogwood blossoms. One heron takes flight while the other remains still, creating a contrast between movement and quiet reflection.

The dogwood blossoms and leaves connect the artwork to Knoxville’s familiar springtime landscape.

Herrington is the founder of Old Soul Mural Co. Her work draws inspiration from nature, vintage graphics, music and the character of the communities where she paints. She has created murals for schools, restaurants, healthcare facilities and other spaces across multiple states.

At the William S. Trimble Co. building, Key Detail is creating a mural inspired by Appalachian culture and East Tennessee history.

At the center of his composition, a woman plays the mountain dulcimer, an instrument deeply connected to Appalachian folk music and storytelling. The artwork draws upon the region’s musical traditions, history and scenic beauty.

Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Key Detail, whose name is Kravtsov, has an architectural background and has completed more than 50 large-scale murals across the United States, Europe and Asia. His distinctive style combines architectural precision, surrealism and imaginative storytelling.

The newest installations join Shiny Objects by Florida artist Naomi Haverland, featuring oversized fishing lures on the tower at Kern’s Bakery, and a botanical-inspired mural by artist Anna Charney.

Two sculptures are also in place: Anywhere by Nathan Pierce of Missouri and Semaphore by Brian Ferriby of Michigan.

When completed, the Art Walk is expected to feature six large-scale murals, sculptures, rail-inspired features, landscape design and artwork created by young people.

The larger SoKno Rail Trail project will extend 3.8 miles from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center, with the Art Walk occupying the 1.5-mile section between Chapman Highway and Island Home.

A $1 million gift from the Lawson Family Foundation is funding the initial art installations. Legacy Parks Foundation is developing the project in partnership with the City of Knoxville, Gulf and Ohio Railway and Dogwood Arts, which is coordinating much of the artwork and artist selection.

The trail is scheduled to open in late fall 2026, with additional artwork and project updates expected as installations continue.

The project brings together two of East Tennessee’s greatest assets: its natural landscape and the creativity of artists who find inspiration in the region’s history and culture. Learn more about the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk at Legacy Parks Foundation.

Film Fest Knox returns Nov. 12-15

Film lovers have a reason to head downtown as Film Fest Knox returns Nov. 12-15, bringing independent cinema into the spotlight at Regal and The Public Cinema.

The festival offers an opportunity to experience films beyond traditional commercial releases and celebrate the filmmakers who bring distinctive stories to the screen. Explore Film Fest Knox.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Bartók & Boléro

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Bartók & Boléro on Nov. 12-13 at the Tennessee Theatre.

The program offers an opportunity to experience orchestral music in one of Knoxville’s most recognizable historic performance spaces. See concert information.

Fountain City Art Center welcomes the Watercolor Sisters

The Fountain City Art Center opens an exhibition Nov. 12 featuring the Watercolor Sisters: Shannon Beal, Mari Cardwell Jones, Jerri Cardwell Schmidt and Kerry Osborne.

The exhibition highlights watercolor as an expressive medium and gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the work of four artists in a neighborhood gallery setting. Learn about the exhibition.

Small works take center stage at The District Gallery

The Big Tiny Show opens Nov. 13 at The District Gallery, inviting art lovers to appreciate creativity on a smaller scale.

Smaller works offer a different way to experience original art, encouraging viewers to notice details, composition and artistic expression. Explore The Big Tiny Show.

Arrowmont explores art, identity and healing

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts hosts a Nov. 13 reception for Of Birds, Snakes & Ancestors: Black Arts Healing, part of its Crafting Blackness Initiative.

The exhibition provides an opportunity to explore artistic expression through the connections among culture, identity and healing. Learn more about the exhibition and reception.

More arts opportunities around town

Terra Madre Pottery Show and Sale: The 16th annual event takes place Nov. 13-14 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, offering an opportunity to explore pottery and ceramic craftsmanship. Terra Madre event information.

We Love Dolly: The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra presents a tribute to Dolly Parton on Nov. 13 at the Bijou Theatre, benefiting Imagination Library. We Love Dolly concert details.

Bound by the Soil: Works by Jamaal Barber and RaShaun Rucker remain on exhibition at the UT Downtown Gallery through Dec. 12. Explore Bound by the Soil.

My ArtBeat favorites this week

There is plenty to choose from, but these are my picks for the coming days.

For something uniquely local: The new SoKno murals by Whitney Herrington and Key Detail. Public art can become part of the identity of a neighborhood, and these projects deserve attention as their stories unfold.

For a night at the movies: Film Fest Knox, Nov. 12-15. Independent cinema offers the chance to discover stories and perspectives that might otherwise go unseen.

For a musical evening: The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Bartók & Boléro, Nov. 12-13. An orchestral performance at the Tennessee Theatre is a memorable way to spend an evening.

For a neighborhood art outing: The Watercolor Sisters exhibition opening Nov. 12 at Fountain City Art Center. It is an opportunity to appreciate local artists and the variety possible within one medium.

ArtBeat celebrates the artists, organizations and creative experiences that enrich East Tennessee. For additional exhibitions, performances and cultural activities, visit the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville.