Knoxville Habitat welcomes the beautiful “East Tennessee Sunrise” mural by artist, Robert Felker
Beautiful mural brightens up Parkridge neighborhood and Knoxville Habitat building.
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At Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, we bring people together to build homes, communities and hope, and we are honored that our home in the Parkridge neighborhood now includes the East Tennessee Sunrise mural. This mural represents a collaborative effort among this wonderful community.
Originally concepted by RB Morris, Knoxville Poet Laureate (2016-2018), East Tennessee Sunrise was brought to life in 2021 by artist Robert Felker with support from private donors and the Parkridge Community Organization. This mural, located on the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity building on Washington Avenue, is a bright spot in the Parkridge neighborhood, and it includes original artwork by Felker and poetry by longtime Habitat for Humanity supporter, President Jimmy Carter.
Felker’s mural, and its vibrant sunrise colors, adds to the already colorful palette of historic Queen Anne Victorians and Arts and Crafts Bungalows of Parkridge. In addition to beautifying the neighborhood, which is nestled just minutes from downtown, this mural helps to make Knoxville Habitat a more warm and welcoming place for families seeking affordable homeownership opportunities.
Felker truly wanted this to be a community project. In the fall of 2021, volunteers from Parkridge and around Knoxville joined Felker to help paint the groundwork on the mural, making this a project truly created by the community.
It is indicative of the spirit of the Parkridge neighborhood that Robert Felker’s art is showcased on its main street. After delays in the process of creating this mural, Felker and Morris persevered and brought this beautiful dream to life. This perseverance is mirrored by the Parkridge neighborhood, which carefully balances history and revitalization to create an inviting and inclusive community that we are proud to call home.
