Chattanooga, Tenn. (May 24, 2023) — EPB unveiled artwork by 12 high school students selected from the 2023 ArtSpark Goes to School challenge. Students and their parents attended a public ceremony at EPB’s downtown office, where they were recognized by Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, EPB President & CEO David Wade, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson and other community leaders on May 9, 2023.
“It’s inspiring to see the diversity and creativity of ideas among the student works selected for this year’s ArtSpark Goes to School displays,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “Beyond making our city a more beautiful place, students are developing essential science, technology, engineering, art and math skills that will be valuable and essential ingredients in Chattanooga’s future workforce.”
The ArtSpark program engages high school students in Hamilton County through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), helping students learn about electricity while creating artwork for public spaces. The students used digital cameras, professional graphic design and photography software to design their artwork with the help of their art teachers and design experts. Students created artwork to fit utility boxes based on the theme of “What Energizes You?” by creating designs that illustrate what in their lives gives them energy.
“My ArtSpark project encapsulates what it feels like to have energy,” said Alanna Jones Newman, a student at Sale Creek High School, whose work features the liveliness of koi fish. “When people see my box, I hope it reminds them of something that excites them. Whether it be a gleaming childhood memory, an impressive accomplishment, or if they just like fish, I hope this piece is able to motivate someone to accomplish great things. In the process of making this piece I learned how to use acrylic paint to create dynamic scenes.”
Newly selected ArtSpark selections will be permanently displayed on utility boxes near Finley Stadium, Liberty Tower, Chattanooga Marriott Downtown, Frost Stadium, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Hamilton Place, intersection of Lee Highway and Highway 153, intersection of Lee Highway and East Brainerd Road, Rossville Boulevard and East 49th Street, Highland Park and The Chattanoogan Hotel.
“I’m proud to see artwork reflecting the distinct experiences of our students across Hamilton County Schools,” said Hamilton County School District Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson. “Our school district represents rural, urban and suburban areas, all of which reflected among the pieces selected this year. We’re grateful to EPB for continuing to offer this platform to students to make an impact on our community with the guidance and support of their teachers.”
With the completion of this year’s ArtSpark Goes to School program, student artwork will be displayed on 49 utility boxes.
“EPB is deeply committed to have a strong presence in our public schools through programs like ArtSpark Goes to School that inspire students to use their talents to discover possibilities through their passion for the arts,” said EPB Director of Residential Energy and Environmental Solutions Elizabeth Hammitt. “ArtSpark gives students the opportunity to learn about the electric system and offer a real-world work experience by participating in the local arts community and going through a competitive process to submit art for public display.”
EPB’s ArtSpark Goes to School partners include ArtsBuild, the City of Chattanooga and the City’s Public Art Chattanooga, Hamilton County Schools, River City Company, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and UTC’s Arts Based Collaborative.
“ArtSpark has exceeded our expectations as an avenue to inspire students to incorporate their passion for the visual arts into future career possibilities,” said Laurie Allen, Executive Director with the Arts-Based Collaborative and the Challenger STEM Learning Center at UTC. “It’s also very moving to see how students share their own personal experience to enrich the community through their talent.”
The program engages high school students through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum in which they learn about electricity while creating artwork for public spaces. Students used a combination of traditional two-dimensional methods, digital cameras and professional graphic design and photography software to create their artwork with the help of their art teachers and design experts.
“ArtSpark Goes to School illustrates what makes Chattanooga special through public partnerships to enrich our community through the contributions of neighbors like these talented students,” said Emily Mack, President and CEO of River City Company. “Through this program, ArtSpark has turned utility boxes into focal points downtown and beyond.”
EPB works with a third party to create and apply vinyl wraps from the winning student designs.
ArtSpark 22-23 Winners
- Asia Evans, Brainerd High School
- Hunter Tenney, Brainerd High School
- Bronwyn Alexander, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts
- Faith Dann, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts
- Dakota Houck, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts
- Khloi Sandidge, Central High School
- Kenyaun Hughes, The Howard School
- Rachel Hutchings, Sale Creek High School
- Alanna Jones Newman, Sale Creek High School
- Harper Cowart, Signal Mountain High School
- Jessica Arp, Soddy Daisy High School
- Joslyn Peacock, Soddy Daisy High School