Downtown Mount Vernon is set to receive a new artistic addition through a utility box art project launched by the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in collaboration with Experience Mount Vernon. This initiative aims to integrate public art into the city while showcasing significant historical narratives.
The project coincides with the upcoming Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival, scheduled from August 7th to 10th. A utility box located at West High and Public Square highlights two lesser-known stories of music and arts in Mount Vernon. "Mount Vernon is a creative community, where both artists and musicians can explore their style and share their gifts," said Olivia Toth, Marketing Manager of the Knox County CVB. The art pays tribute to Marian Anderson's performances at the Knox Memorial Theatre in the 1930s and the Snowden Family Band's contributions to local culture.
Marian Anderson, an African-American contralto, performed twice at the Knox Memorial Theatre, first in 1930 and again in 1939. Her visits were funded by the local Booker T. Washington Club during the Great Depression. Despite her fame, segregationist policies prevented her from staying in local hotels, so she was hosted by African-American families. Her 1939 performance followed her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The Snowden Family Band, honored on another utility box, was an influential African-American group active from the 1850s to early 1920s. Artist Emily Morrison researched their history extensively for her artwork. "It was important to me to really pay homage to not only them [The Snowden Family Band], but the instrument (fretless banjo) that played a vital role in their sound and legacy," Morrison said.
Lacey Filkins, Director of Experience Mount Vernon, expressed hopes that visitors will appreciate this storytelling effort during and after the festival as more art projects are introduced downtown.
Funding for this project comes from Knox County CVB and Experience Mount Vernon, supported by a grant from the Ariel Foundation. The completed utility box art will be part of an interactive Mount Vernon Art & History Trail designed to guide visitors through artistic and historical sites.
Olivia Toth mentioned plans for expanding these efforts by 2026: "Our plan is that by 2026, there will be a brand-new way to experience so many of our untold stories, historic gems and public art in downtown."
