For the seventh year, EPB’s ArtSpark Goes to School program continues to highlight the artistic talents of local high school students while beautifying Chattanooga and Hamilton County’s public spaces. Student artwork inspired by the theme “What Energizes You?” will soon be unveiled on 10 utility boxes across the city.
With the completion of this year’s program, student artwork will be displayed on 68 utility boxes. Winners represent schools from across Hamilton County:
Amelia Watkins, Hixson High School; Colette “Cole” Bischof, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts;
Delilah Allen, East Ridge High School; Honey McCullough, Hixson High School; Karen Ramos Perez, The Howard School; Lina Jameel, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts; London Woods, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences; Mac Campbell, Signal Mountain Middle/High School; Meg Finger, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts; Olivia Sutherland, Sale Creek Middle/High School
Runners-up were also recognized during the program, reflecting the deep talent of this year’s students:
Amelia Shipley, Sale Creek Middle/High School; Gianna Baldino, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts; Sadie Ham, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences; Sara Yoshida, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts
“Chattanooga’s artistic culture is an integral part of who we are as a community, and I’m proud that EPB continues to support it with this innovative program,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “Using student art to beautify our infrastructure in such a public way is a simple, brilliant way to promote these promising young Chattanooga artists.”
The program, which engages students through a STEAM-based curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), helps students combine artistic expression with technical knowledge.
Dr. Justin Robertson, Hamilton County Schools superintendent, emphasized the value of the student-centered initiative, saying, “ArtSpark Goes to School provides our students with a unique opportunity to apply their creativity and innovation beyond the walls of the classroom. Seeing their artwork displayed in our communities provides a sense of connection and inspiration as they continue their education.”
River City Company’s original program to cover utility boxes in artwork inspired ArtSpark Goes to School. Arts-Based Collaborative developed the curriculum schools used for the program.
Elizabeth Hammitt, EPB director of Residential Energy and Environmental Solutions, shared her excitement about the ongoing success of ArtSpark: “ArtSpark has become more than just a program. It’s a way to celebrate the creativity cultivated in our schools and transform our public spaces. We’re proud to be part of this effort that fosters both STEAM education and community engagement.” EPB works with a third party to create and apply vinyl wraps from the winning student designs.