Mural unveiling brings new energy to Soddy-Daisy
Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful, a volunteer organization that works to help support and improve the community, continues to find new ways to bring life and energy into Soddy-Daisy.
It was through the organization’s ongoing efforts that a new mural was installed last month on the side of Wimpies Country Restaurant at 9826 Dayton Pike.
“Cindi Sanden, president of Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful, inspired me to pursue a possible mural for our community by sharing with me her ideas on improving our area by incorporating some colorful art projects,” Terry Williamson, resident and mural project manager, said in an email.
Williamson approached the owners of Wimpies, David and Pam Smith, to ask if they would be interested in allowing Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful to use their southern wall as a canvas, and they agreed.
“I believed the location of their restaurant would be central due to its proximity to City Hall, Scramble Alley and Poe’s Tavern,” Williamson said. “From that point, and after meetings with our local commissioners as well as other administrators of murals, Keep Soddy-Daisy
Beautiful called out for interested artists.”
After narrowing the selection down to seven entries, local artist Mary Tomas was selected by the committee with her design titled, “A Happy Place.” The project was funded by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and ArtsBuild, according to a news release.
“The inspiration for my mural designs came from my first impression of the Soddy-Daisy community,” Tomas said in an email. “My husband and I moved to Soddy-Daisy in 2020 from Dallas … The mural design represents patriotism, church, nature, mountains, flowers, creeks, fishing and outdoor activities. The image is very colorful, bright and happy.”
Williamson said Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful is planning to recognize and thank all the donors, sponsors and volunteers behind the project in a special unveiling event later this year.
“It takes a village to plan and implement a project of this magnitude,” she said. “We are so excited about bringing this beautiful public art to the Soddy-Daisy community. Our hope is that this artwork will be enjoyed by Soddy-Daisy residents and visitors for many years to come.”