KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Knoxville artist put up a new mural in the downtown area, incorporating his love for the outdoors, nature and the state of Tennessee. Of course, it also makes sure to highlight the University of Tennessee's mascot — Smokey.
Gared Luquet painted the mural in Strong Alley, near Market Square, alongside a long line of other murals and different kinds of art. He said he wanted to show Smokey out in the wilderness, making sure he wore UT's traditional orange and white alongside several other recognizable patterns and colors.
"You'll see Smokey is done predominately in blue, and that represents the Lady Vols, with orange and the Tennessee Vols. Love complimentary colors really bringing it together. But, what you'll notice is that he's surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, wearing a Smokey the Bear-style hat. And so, I really try to incorporate my love for Tennessee, and the wilderness, and nature, and beautiful Tennessee," said Luquet.
He said on social media the mural is named "ONLY UT." He also thanked the Dogwood Arts and the Knoxville Utilities Board for helping him paint the mural.
Dogwood Arts operates an Art in Public Places mural program, meant to help new artists showcase their skills while ensuring that people in downtown Knoxville have the chance to see new artworks at different times throughout the year.