Paint the town: Mural coming to State of Franklin

Downtown Johnson City may soon get a little brighter, following the city commission's approval of a new mural project at its meeting Thursday. The $25,000 mural project, which passed unanimously, will be located at 407 E. State of Franklin Rd. near the I-26 exit to downtown, facing Main Street. According to Thursday's meeting agenda, the mural is inspired by the work of local poets and designed to symbolically portray the beauty of nature. The city reviewed 80 design submissions from artists across the country and selected Puerto Rican artist David Zayas to paint the near 100-foot stretch of white brick during the coming months. Ahead of the project's approval, Zayas, who aims to begin installing the mural in April or May of this year, said this design project was right up his alley. He said tying words and images together to create his own visual poetry is part of his natural design process. "This design was fun because most of my work is trying to make my art like a poem... It was an exercise to take words and symbols and translate them into images," Zayas said. "But it was so fun for me." Zayas' has over 20 years of experience that can be seen on walls in over 10 countries, including Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Israel and the United States. He has also collaborated with international brands including Royal Caribbean, Hilton, Starbucks and USPS. Although Zayas has never been to Johnson City, he says he's excited learn more about the community. "Traveling to create art is a great experience for me because I learn a lot," Zayas said. "Each wall, each community, each country is unique." According to the now-approved project agreement, the mural will be completed by June 30, 2026. In addition to the mural, Mayor Greg Cox presented proclamations recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the American Legion's initiative to end veteran suicide. This year, the city's local MLK planning committee is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This month it is hosting a variety of events including its annual Peace Walk The Peace Walk will take place at 1 p.m. on Jan. 19 and will start at Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave. The following streets will be closed that day from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Jackson Ave, N. Belmont, W. Main Street, S. Commerce St, Whitney St., W. Market St. The next city commission meeting will take place at the Johnson City Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St. on Jan. 22, 6 p.m.