Benton

The 32^nd addition in the “Everywhere You Look, UT” mural campaign is located in Polk County.

“The mural is exciting on several levels,” said Lynne McClary, director of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce. “It brings some color and vibrancy to the downtown Benton area. It’s a small ‘downtown’ and people pass through without a second glance. This mural gives them a reason to look up and take notice.”

The 36-foot-wide mural completed in October 2022 is visible to all 8,437 travelers passing through Benton each day. The two-story beige building is across the street from the county courthouse and is home to Ocoee #212 Masonic Lodge and the Bakery on Main.

“Obviously as a community in Southeast Tennessee, the majority of our residents are Tennessee fans and are proud to have this opportunity to display their support for the University,” added McClary, who submitted the property for consideration.

“Personally, I love this outreach on behalf of UT that will reach across the entire state and show a sense of unity in all 95 counties in support of a single project,” she said. “To me, it’s just a super cool idea to bring the counties across the state together.”