The SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk continues to transform into an outdoor art destination in South Knoxville, with Legacy Parks Foundation announcing the installation of two more large-scale murals along the upcoming trail.
The newest murals, created by Tennessee based artist, Whitney Herrington and New York City based artist Key Detail, are currently being installed at Landing Health and the Trimble building, bringing vibrant color, creativity and storytelling to the growing collection of art.
At Landing Health, Whitney Herrington’s mural, Second Nature, brings together elements of nature, movement and familiar East Tennessee imagery. The composition will feature a solitary female figure, two herons and oversized dogwood blooms, creating a scene that feels both familiar and dreamlike. Flowing water and a heron taking flight introduce movement, while the woman and a second heron offer a quieter, more grounded presence. The dogwood blooms and leaves pay tribute to Knoxville’s iconic springtime landscape.
Herrington is a Tennessee-based muralist and founder of Old Soul Mural Co., who has transformed walls and spaces across multiple states, including schools, restaurants, healthcare facilities and commercial properties. Drawing inspiration from vintage graphics, music, nature and the character of a place, her work is designed to capture attention and create memorable experiences.
At William S Trimble Co., Key Detail’s mural celebrates the cultural and historical character of East Tennessee through a composition rich with symbolism. At the center, a woman plays the mountain dulcimer, a traditional Appalachian folk instrument closely associated with Tennessee’s mountain music and old ballads. Her music tells a story of love, inspired by the region’s musical heritage and scenic beauty.
Based in New York City, Key Detail is a contemporary muralist, street artist and illustrator whose work combines architectural precision, surrealism and imaginative storytelling. Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Kravtsov holds a degree in architecture and has created more than 50 large-scale outdoor murals across the United States, Europe and Asia. His work includes installations at New York City’s Hudson Yards and Cross County Center in Yonkers.
The two new installations add to a growing collection that includes Shiny Objects by Florida artist Naomi Haverland, installed on the vertical tower at Kern’s Bakery, and a botanical-inspired mural by Knoxville artist Anna Charney.
“It’s exciting to see the Art Walk continue to come to life through this growing collection of artwork,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation. “Each mural brings a different perspective and tells a different story, celebrating the creativity, character and history of our community. Together, these installations are transforming the trail into a place where people can discover something new every time they visit.”
Once complete, the 1.5-mile Art Walk will feature six large-scale murals, along with sculptures, rail-inspired elements, landscape architecture and youth-created artwork. Two sculptures, Anywhere by Nathan Pierce of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Semaphore by Brian Ferriby of Cedar, Michigan, are already installed along the trail.
A $1 million gift from the Lawson Family Foundation is funding the initial installations along the Art Walk. The collection will feature unique, diverse and engaging works by local, regional and nationally renowned artists, creating an outdoor gallery that makes extraordinary art accessible to everyone.
“Murals turn everyday walls into shared storytelling spaces,” said Sherry Jenkins, Executive Director of Dogwood Arts. “The SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk is not just beautifying the area, we’re sparking pride, inviting conversations, and making art a part of daily life for everyone who passes through.” Dogwood Arts is managing artist selection, coordination, and art installations of much of the art along the corridor.
The SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk is a 3.8-mile rail-to-trail project connecting Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center. The Art Walk will be a vibrant 1.5-mile segment of the trail, from Chapman Highway to Island Home, integrating art, nature and recreation into an accessible experience for all. Specially commissioned art pieces will showcase works by local, regional and nationally renowned artists.
The SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk is a project by Legacy Parks Foundation in collaboration with Gulf and Ohio Railway, City of Knoxville and Dogwood Arts.
The SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk is scheduled to open in late Fall 2026. Additional artwork and project updates will be announced as installation continues.
For more information about the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk, visit LegacyParks.org.
Legacy Parks Foundation is an East Tennessee nonprofit that works to conserve our natural resources, create public places, and connect communities. The goal is to ensure that the region enjoys exceptional recreational opportunities and natural beauty and that these assets exist for generations to come. To date, Legacy Parks has raised more than $32 million, added 800 plus acres of parkland for Knox County, and helped conserve 1,000 acres of natural space in East Tennessee.
Discover more from Inside of Knoxville
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.