Alcoa, Tennessee, October 11, 2025
News Summary
A new sculpture named ‘Cathedral’ has been unveiled at the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway trailhead in Alcoa, Tennessee. Weighing 1,600 pounds and standing 8 feet tall, this vibrant orange piece enriches the landscape and symbolizes the ongoing efforts of the Art in Public Places program. The initiative has brought over 290 sculptures to the region since its inception in 2007, promoting community engagement and enhancing public art. This installation, along with others like ‘Ronin’ at Maryville College, exemplifies the commitment to artistic diversity in East Tennessee.
ALCOA, TENNESSEE – A new sculpture titled ‘Cathedral’ has been installed at the trailhead of the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway in Alcoa, Tennessee. Weighing 1,600 pounds, the sculpture stands 8 feet tall and measures 5 feet wide. Made in a striking orange color, the ‘Cathedral’ sculpture becomes vibrant when sunlight hits it, adding a visually appealing element to the landscape.
This installation is part of the Art in Public Places program coordinated by Dogwood Arts. Alcoa recently joined this initiative, which has been active since 2007, contributing to the creation of hundreds of murals and statues across Knox, Blount, and Anderson counties. The ‘Cathedral’ sculpture was unveiled a few weeks prior to this announcement and marks a significant step in enhancing public art in the East Tennessee area.
Previously, last summer, three other sculptures were placed along the Greenway in Maryville, which helped launch the program in Blount County. Alcoa’s Public Information Officer highlighted the significance of incorporating changing art in public spaces, emphasizing how it enhances the pedestrian experience and enriches the lives of greenway users.
Additionally, Maryville College received a separate sculpture named ‘Ronin,’ which is now placed in the Doug and Sally Gross Memorial Garden, honoring the late Doug Gross. This sculpture is also orange and was created by artist Brian Ferriby. From an aerial perspective, it is designed to resemble a treble clef, contributing to the artistic diversity of the area.
The relevance of public art was addressed by the Interim Executive Director of the Clayton Center for the Arts, who underscored its importance in fostering community engagement and expanding exposure to various forms of art. The current 2023-2024 Art In Public Places Sculpture Exhibition includes over two dozen works from a variety of American artists, featuring rotating sculptures to keep public art fresh and interesting for the public.
Over the past sixteen years, Dogwood Arts has placed more than 290 sculptures throughout the region, effectively beautifying streetscapes. The sculptures included in the existing exhibition have been judged by Andrea Bailey from the Knoxville Public Art Committee and artist Desmond Lewis from Yale University. The selected sculptors for this exhibition represent thirteen different states, showcasing a remarkable diversity of artistic expressions.
In Krutch Park, the current sculptural works include pieces such as “The Music Box,” which captivates viewers with its interior components reminiscent of pianos. Other sculptures like ‘Tree Colony’ and ‘Listen’ incite further contemplation and appreciation for artistic nuances and designs.
The article concludes with an invitation for readers to share their thoughts and reactions regarding the recent sculptures and their impact on the community.
FAQ
What is the title of the new sculpture at the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway?
The title of the new sculpture is ‘Cathedral’.
What are the dimensions and weight of the ‘Cathedral’ sculpture?
The ‘Cathedral’ sculpture weighs 1,600 pounds, stands 8 feet tall, and is 5 feet wide.
What color is the ‘Cathedral’ sculpture?
The sculpture features an orange color that becomes vibrant when sunlight hits it.
What is the purpose of the Art in Public Places program?
The Art in Public Places program aims to enhance public spaces with art to enrich the experience for pedestrians and community members.
How many sculptures has Dogwood Arts placed in the last sixteen years?
Dogwood Arts has placed over 290 sculptures in the last sixteen years throughout the region.
Key Features of the ‘Cathedral’ Sculpture and Public Art Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Cathedral |
| Weight | 1,600 pounds |
| Height | 8 feet |
| Width | 5 feet |
| Color | Vibrant orange |
| Program Start Year | 2007 |
| Number of Sculptures by Dogwood Arts | Over 290 |
| Current Exhibition | 2023-2024 Art In Public Places Sculpture Exhibition |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Blount County’s Public Art Scene Enhances with New Sculptures
New Sculptures Unveiled in Charles Krutch Park
Knoxville City Council Approves Rail-to-Trail Project
Knoxville Celebrates Park(ing) Day with Urban Transformations
Memphis Healthcare Leadership Transitions Announced
Nissan Stadium Construction Progresses for Tennessee Titans
Tom Hanks Award Ceremony Cancelled Amid Political Controversies
Homicide Investigation at Burning Man Festival Amid Storm
Knox County Schools Launches Innovative Schools Initiative
Remembering Retired Knoxville Police Officer Norman Rickman
Additional Resources
- WBIR: New Dogwood Arts Sculptures Across Blount County
- Wikipedia: Public Art
- WBIR: Alcoa Middle Celebrates Veterans Day
- Google Search: Public Sculpture
- Inside of Knoxville: New 2023-2024 Sculptures Appear
- Google Scholar: Art in Public Places
- Artforum: Working Conditions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sculpture
- The Guardian: Noguchi at Barbican, London Review
- Google News: Sculpture Exhibitions
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
