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Bledsoe County just Became Home to the 28th Mural in the “Everywhere You Look, UT” Campaign

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Orange paint pouring into paint can

Former 4-H members and supporters of University of Tennessee Extension, Matt and Farrah Fields, didn’t think twice about volunteering the roof of their barn in Pikeville, Tennessee, for the “Everywhere You Look, UT” mural campaign. And just like that, U.S. Route 127 in Bledsoe County became home to UT’s 28th mural.

“We’re huge UT fans and consider it an honor to support UT through this mural,” Matt said.

Ironically, it’s not the first time they’ve loaned their canvas on U.S. Route 127 in Bledsoe County to a mural campaign.

The Fields’ barn is among the few remaining structures in the Southeast baring an original “See Rock City” slogan and has guided south-bound travelers toward Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain for more than 70 years. See Rock City barns began popping up in 1935, numbering 900 at their height, with approximately 50 barns remaining today. The “Everywhere You Look, UT” mural campaign will have the same effect once all 95 counties have a mural.

“These murals serve as a continual reminder of the far-reaching impact UT has on our great state,” UT President Randy Boyd said. “From west to east, UT really is everywhere you look.”

The Pikeville farm that once encompassed nearly 100 acres has been in Matt’s family for at least five generations. Today, the parcel totals about 10 acres and is home to the family’s beef cattle operation.

Once completed in late May, the UT mural will serve as the 28th installment in the statewide campaign and be seen by approximately 2,400 north-bound travelers a day. The 30-foot-wide mural also will serve as a tribute to the 344 UT students, alumni and employees representing and making an impact in Bledsoe County.

To learn more about the campaign, each location and to nominate a canvas for use, visit everywhere.tennessee.edu/murals/.

Contacts

Melissa Tindell
mtindell@tennessee.edu
865-974-0741
505 Summer Place, UT Tower #1236, Knoxville, TN 37902

Natalie Keener
nkeener@tennessee.edu
865-974-4211
505 Summer Place, UT Tower #1241, Knoxville, TN 37902

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Category: Headlines