Whether on campus or off, we are connected as members of the Arrowmont family. Over the next few weeks, we are going to share stories from our community of instructors, residents, and students in a new series, Arrowmont Connections.
Arrowmont Board member, Steven Thompson, saw an opportunity to add beauty and interest to his laundry business in Maynardville, Tennessee. He wanted to work with a local artist. High school senior Katie Lewis brought ideas for a laundry-themed mural inspired by the bright colors of Andy Warhol prints.
WBIR covered the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5lyYbDoO5o
High school student is eager to resume work on a mural in Union County
MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. — A work of art is taking shape along a highway in Union County. A senior in high school came up with a concept that could really turn heads. Here’s how it started.
The owner of The Laundry Basket wash/dry/fold laundry business in Union County recognized a potential advertising opportunity on a blank wall.
He called the art teacher at Union County High School for a recommendation. That’s how the owner of The Laundry Basket interviewed high school senior, Katie Lewis, for her biggest art project so far.
“I’ve done the windows inside the school, the library windows, and they’re pretty big but nothing like a huge wall,” Katie Lewis said.
Steve said she was prepared for the interview and had great ideas.
“One of my favorites is Andy Warhol. He does a lot of pop art which is kind of what I was going for with the mural. I wanted a lot of color and brightness in it the way it catches people’s eyes,” Katie said.
Steve agreed. “We wanted it to be something that people might actually turn around and stop and come back and say what was that to take a look at it.”
Katie modeled the mural after a decorated van at the business. It features a clothesline and bright blue and green colors. “And then I put the people in it to add some comedy to it like the mom needed help with the laundry because the kids were driving her insane,” she said. Steve said, “The theme is I’m too busy to do laundry.”
Three days into painting the mural she had to put away her brushes for COVID-19. She thinks it will take four to five days to finish when the stay-at-home order lifts. “I’m going to hurry down there and finish it. I’m excited,” she said.
When it’s finished both Steve and Katie will have accomplished their goals. “Everyone driving down the road will see it,” she said.
Katie plans to go to Walters State Community College and she wants to be an art teacher.
Click here to view the short video segment with Steve and Katie’s interviews.
