"WCTE and PBS have always promoted art, creativity and community. When it came to marking 40 years of serving the Upper Cumberland, a mural that would invite discussion and add aesthetic value in a community setting seemed like a natural.
Picking the elements was a challenge. I’m sure each of you can think of an iconic figure from PBS programs who would could rock a mural. Chef and author Julia Child, and Bob Ross, the creator of the the classic show, the Joy of Painting, were two bigger than life PBS personalities that came to mind. Other PBS icons came to mind as well years but we could not always acquire the necessary permissions.
The children watching TV with the original PBS logo on the old TV set symbolizes PBS KIDS and education, which is a large part of our mission. Above Bob Ross’s head is the PBS KIDS logo and some legs you might recognize. In the picture above the legs, ballerinas represent the cultural events WCTE and PBS bring to people who might not have the opportunity to be exposed to this type of performance firsthand.
Directly above Julia’s head is a picture of a singer belting out a song. WCTE has a reputation for bringing our music to the world with shows like the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, Jammin’ with Hippie Jack’s and Bluegrass Underground. In fact, recently we were honored to become the presenting station for Ray Stevens CabaRay out of Nashville!
The picture above the singer represents WCTE’s green initiative. One of our WCTE-initiated shows, Live Green Tennessee, has been popular for over ten years now.
Through the window above the TV set, broadcasting to the Upper Cumberland and beyond, sits the antenna on the hills above rolling farmland, a symbol of who we are and the beautiful rural region we serve. Which is why it is part of our logo, which you can see on the windowsill on a cup. And if you look carefully at the rolling hills, you can spot Mister Roger’s trolley"
Reference: Close-Up, 2018 Jul-Aug, pg 5. (
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"It is this deep appreciation for all the subtle beauty in our everyday world that led Erica Swenson to pursue the visual arts. In line with this passion, she graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Illustration.
She completed numerous murals in her hometown, Jamestown, NY. In 2007, she interned with Murals and More, LLC based out of Franklin. She fell in love with the south and has stayed in the Nashville area accepting a variety of commissions.
“I painted WCTE’s mural indoors – it was a challenge to find a space big enough - over about 4 months during the winter. I used Golden Acrylic Paint. I’ve been using it for 2 years now instead of house paint. Golden intends for these paints to be used for murals and regularly talks with muralists about their performance. I can get richer colors with them and they are more durable.”
“It is sealed with a layer of Golden soft gel and a Golden UV protectant Varnish. The Advantech was sealed with a stain and sealer and there is a rain guard at the top. The wood is the most vulnerable part. The actual mural will last for decades. As long as the wood is kept sealed it will
last a long time.“
“I like seeing the ways murals touch people and brighten their lives. They subtly make the environment of a place more positive and inviting. I like the excitement of a new project, it’s another opportunity to do my best work.”
“I needed help from some friends with a background in construction so thank you to Haven and Linda LaCoax, Charles Dolente, Colton Sullivan, Massood Taj, Derek and Shawn Pepin, and Will.”"
Reference: Close-Up, 2018 Jul-Aug, pg 5. (
visit link)