This 10-panel mural project commemorates Johnson City’s sesquicentennial year and celebrates the City’s journey from its early years to the most recent. The Johnson City Public Art Committee approached local schools with the mural project concept, and nine schools and the Johnson City Parks and Recreation art group were able to participate. The participating groups were asked to select a particular theme for each of their panels and were invited to include images that express what they find exciting and valuable in Johnson City. Some of the themes represented in the final designs include music, parks and the natural environment, education, local food, the sciences, and historic buildings.
The panel designs are woven together by the image of a stream that runs through the center of each panel, just as Brush Creek winds its way through downtown Johnson City. The hard work, talent, and creativity of dedicated art instructors, students and art group members, and the Johnson City Public Art Committee resulted in a swift completion of the project within a 3-month period. The murals were installed in May of 2019 as part of the City’s Sesquicentennial “Arts and Culture” month.
The mural panels were completed by the following schools and art group: Providence Academy, Mountain View Elementary, Saint Mary’s School, Cherokee Elementary, Liberty Bell Middle School, Science Hill High School, Ashley Academy, Towne Acres Elementary, Johnson City Parks and Recreation art group, and Topper Academy.
The Johnson City Public Art Committee oversaw the project from start to finish. The mural panels provide snapshots of the unique features and way of life in Johnson City and invite viewers to reflect upon where the City has been, where it is now, and where it might go in the future.
View photos of all the mural panels along with progress photos on the “Johnson City: 150 Years” Photos page.