Crosswalk art in downtown Jackson begins, OJH welcomes volunteers
JACKSON, Tenn. — A project designed and led by a local artist is brightening up the streets of downtown Jackson.
Our Jackson Home, in partnership with the City of Jackson, The CO, Jackson Downtown Development Corporation, and local artist Callie Wright is installing new crosswalk art at the intersection of Main Street and Church Street in downtown Jackson.
Wright is the lead artist on the project and her designs were picked to be featured.
As a patron of the businesses and working in the area, she noticed the appreciation for music that the downtown area displays.
“Even sometimes there’s just music being performed and played around here so I thought that’s such a landmark of Jackson. So, it would be a way to honor the musical arts with the visual arts ,” said Wright.
The new crosswalk artwork, called “Rockabilly Walk” is an extension of the original crosswalk art project on Church Street, that was completed in 2023.
This first installation included a guitar neck and a piano keyboard on each side.
The new artwork will be painted on the Main Street sides.
“It’s going to be sheet music to the song ‘Jackson’ that Johnny Cash performed and made famous. The corresponding lyrics for the sheet music we are putting down is: ‘we’re goin’ to Jackson, ain’t never comin’ back’,” said Lizzie Emmons, program director for Our Jackson Home.
Anyone over the age of 13 is encouraged to volunteer to paint, and be a part of completing all four sides of the crosswalk.
“Actually this is therapeutic. It’s relaxing,” said Gloria McClain, a volunteer.
The paint and supplies were made possible by a downtown improvement grant.
Volunteers are welcome to paint again on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
To sign up to volunteer as an artist, click here.
For more local news, click here.
