Morgan County Mural Dedication May 11, 2022
Morgan County, TN

Sunbright

Water Tower

An old, 125-foot-tall water tower owned by the Morgan County Economic Development Board that overlooks the Sunbright School football field has received a fresh face! This water tower, now with a new coat of paint, serves as a tribute to the more than 330 UT students, alumni and employees representing Morgan County and a reminder to the approximately 475 pre-K through 12th grade Sunbright School students and their parents of UT’s presence in their community. 

“The Morgan County Economic Development Board is ecstatic and welcomes the opportunity to be a part of the mural program UT offers. This water tank has been an eyesore for so long and the folks that travel that area, I know will be thrilled to see the ‘Everywhere You Look, UT’ mural painted on the tank,” said Lisa Collett, executive director of the Morgan County Economic Development Board. “We are also so happy that UT now offers the University-Assisted Community Schools program to the students at Sunbright School. We are all Tennessee fans around here!” 

One of many examples of UT’s presence in the Sunbright community is through the University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS) program. The UACS program operated by the UT Knoxville College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, uses UT students, faculty and staff to provide academic support services, physical education, music and art programs after school. Sunbright is the third school in the state and first rural school selected for the program.

“Sunbright School is blessed to be in partnership with the University of Tennessee. Mrs. Tammy Howard, our UACS coordinator, has made a tremendous impact. Our students have already been given opportunities we never imagined they would have access to,” said Sunbright Principal Julia Smith. “Having the old water tower painted is something many of us in the community have wanted for decades. It will proudly display the UT logo and remind everyone our UT family is bigger than we could have imagined!”

Completed in April 2022, the water tower serves as the 26th installation in the statewide campaign and is visible to approximately 655 passersby a day.                                                       

Photo Gallery

Click images below to enlarge and download.

See it for yourself:

175 Burrville Rd.
Sunbright, TN 37872

 

Meet the Artist

Painting a 40-foot mural on a metal grain bin in 90-degree heat calls for a special type of artist.

Troy Freeman started his mural painting career while still in high school, painting mascots for his and area schools before advancing to sign painting work for local farmers and then founding his own business.

Free Sky Studios, Inc. is a Springfield, Illinois, based professional mural and sign painting business providing commercial and residential clients with a professional source for quality, creative work. With more than 20 years of experience, Troy focuses on delivering quality service marked with exceptional talent and professionalism in every project.

From a 65-foot corn cob to 4-story Frank Lloyd Wright tribute mural, Troy has the experience and expertise to tackle any location we envision.

Troy Freeman
Owner and Lead Artist
Free Sky Studios, Inc.
freeskystudios.com