PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (November 4, 2021) – Alcatraz East Crime Museum is hosting their Annual Graffiti Art Contest on November 6, 2021. The art contest will help celebrate this year’s National STEM Day, in addition to variety of other science related interactive opportunities. The public is invited to watch the artists as they create their graffiti, with a viewing area located in the museum parking lot. The art contest will be held from 8 am to noon. There will be judges, as well as prizes awarded to the winners.
“This is such a fun event that you will want to stop by and take a look at the great graffiti that these artists create,” says Summer Blalock, manager for Alcatraz East. “Some people feel graffiti can be controversial, which is why we do it this way. We give artists a way to express themselves in a fun and safe way.”
Winners of the graffiti art contest will have their artwork put on display in the museum, and will win cash prizes. The prizes provided include $750 for first place, $350 for second place, and $200 for third place. The artwork submissions will be judged by Richie Catlett from the Pigeon Forge Police Department, Sheriff Hodge from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Phillip Davis from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Dept of Public Relations, Jonathan Adams and Elizabeth Belz artists from Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, and Martha Eaichus, who is the owner of Talking Turkey Studio in Gatlinburg.
The annual contest sheds light on graffiti, bringing attention to creative solutions and partnerships, and provides street artists with an opportunity to showcase their talents and techniques. Graffiti may appear as anything from elaborate murals to words scrawled on buildings and walls. It can be a costly problem, prompting many city leaders to partner with artists to provide creative outlets in the community.
“Stop by and take a look at the great work these artists come up with,” added Blalock. “You may be surprised at some of the talent you see on display.”
National STEM Day is November 8, 2021, and Alcatraz East Crime Museum will be celebrating it by spotlighting different STEM careers within criminal justice and law enforcement. The STEM spotlight will offer interactive crime labs, including fingerprinting, observation, blood spatter analysis, and a serial killer quiz. To get more information about the STEM spotlight, visit the site at: https://www.alcatrazeast.
Art contest submissions are closed. Those interested in submitted artwork to be considered for the annual contest should watch for information on the 2022 one to be announced.
Museum hours are currently 10 am to 9 pm daily. The museum is cashless, so tickets can be purchased ahead of time online, or through non-cash options at the ticket booth. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available to birthday parties, school groups, scouts, and team building, or other special events for an additional fee.
