Argentine American Artist Cecilia Lueza Selected by Community Panel for Vibrant and Uplifting Work
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 22, 2026) – The MLK Art in Neighborhoods project at the City Hall Annex will provide a transformative and vibrant entry to the 11th Street corridor of the MLK District. The new mural will reflect elements of Chattanooga’s rolling hills, the Tennessee River, and beloved backyard birds, serving as a welcoming gateway to the City of Chattanooga’s central hub and the MLK neighborhood.
Media Opportunity of Artist in Action:
When: Wednesday, June, 24th, 2 - 2:30PM
Where: Front Stairs of City Hall, 101 E 11th Street
The project was initiated through a privately funded Art in Neighborhoods grant awarded to the MLK Neighborhood Association. Originally proposed for the Norfolk Southern Railroad underpass on MLK Blvd., the project faced technical and structural challenges that led the City and the Neighborhood Association to approve a relocation to the City Hall Annex in November 2025. This transition ensured the project could meet private funder deadlines while maintaining community support.
The artist, Cecilia Lueza was chosen by the MLK District community selection panel in 2020 and has been under contract with the City since May 2021. The revised final design for the current site was approved by the Chattanooga Public Art Commission and the MLK Neighborhood Association board earlier this year. This is the final public art project to be completed of six Art in Neighborhoods projects committed to six different neighborhood associations in 2016. Public Art Chattanooga will be rolling out a new format for the program in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
“The MLK Neighborhood Association is thrilled to see this project finally come to life at the City Hall Annex,” said MLK Neighborhood Association President Merri Mai Williamson. “While the path to completion had its challenges, our community’s vision for a vibrant, welcoming gateway to our district remained steadfast. We are grateful for the partnership with Public Art Chattanooga, which brings a beautiful, meaningful work of art to our neighborhood.”
Since 2006, Public Art Chattanooga has worked with community members to provide access to public art beyond downtown. With 20 completed projects in 14 different neighborhoods, the Art in Neighborhoods program empowers residents to drive the vision for public art projects in their community. Partnering with City departments, neighborhood associations and grass roots leaders, PAC works with community members to determine a location, project scope and artist who can fulfill their project goals.
“Our Art in Neighborhoods projects foster community pride by celebrating the unique culture of our neighborhoods,” said Kate Kirnie, Public Art Manager with the City of Chattanooga. “In this mural, the artist Cecilia Lueza uses the unifying power of nature to uplift the surrounding area and define a vibrant sense of place connecting 11th Street with the flourishing arts and culture scene of the MLK District. ”
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About the Artist
Argentine American artist and sculptor Cecilia Lueza studied fine arts at the University of La Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Known for creating vibrant public art in mixed media, her work encompasses mural art and monumental sculpture. Lueza is committed to creating visually engaging public art that enhances environments, transforms landscapes, and defines a sense of place. Her work showcases precision and upbeat compositions that explore color and incorporate elements of nature and geometry.
About Public Art Chattanooga
As part of the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Public Art Chattanooga manages the City’s public art collection. The division is dedicated to presenting high-quality public art and working with the community to enhance the civic environment and enrich the lives of visitors and residents.