The Knoxville Public Library has announced that Kim DeSocio has been awarded the first grant for Public Art at the library. The grant was given to the library by the Knoxville Heritage Community Foundation earlier this year. 

 Ms. DeSocio lives in rural Knoxville and painted the original mural at the library in 2006, which depicted whimsical scenes of children and animals playing amid colorful images of rainbows, stars, and bubbles. Part of the beloved mural remains intact in the youth librarian’s office after the construction. Director of the library Roslin Thompson tells KNIA/KRLS News the library wants to hear from the public as to what should be featured in the new mural. Thompson says since the public library belongs to everyone, the library wants to invite everyone to come to the library and give their input.

Ms. DeSocio will be at the library on January 20th, 21st, and 22nd to visit with the public and get input on design ideas. For more information and to schedule a time to give input to DeSocio contact the Knoxville Public Library.