Imagine Huntsville Ideas

I recently got a chance to walk down the (relatively) new greenway trail along Aldridge Creek behind the Walmart neighborhood store in SE Huntsville - the part north of Weatherly Road. It’s about a half-mile long and looks much like the rest of the trail that extends south to the Tennessee River. There is one exception though: there are about nine of these concrete creations - I believe they are called monolithic manhole... more »

If the Norwegian Lighthouse and Bell formerly at the Big Spring Park is still available, install them at Ditto Landing. Outfit both with hidden solar panels to provide the power to operate them. This will allow a nice historical item to be shared with the citizens and, next to the river could provide a special guidance marker. Installed by 2019 it could be a special "time" marker, marking the Bicentennial Year of... more »

With all of the big money mixed use developments currently underway in Huntsville (which I'm excited to see complete and operational), it could sometimes be easy to overlook smaller projects that help add beauty to downtown. I'm excited to see a large mural in progress at the corner of Greene St. and Randolph Ave. What was a blank red wall is being turned into art that will help add visual interest for those walking downtown.... more »

I recently attended a presentation where I learned that the Humphreys-Rogers House (an historical home once owned by David Campbell Humphreys, a Federal Judge from Huntsville who served during the Civil War era and moved via truck from the Coca-Cola factory area to where it now is in use across the street from City Hall) was once furnished by a past curator from the Early Works Museum with the original furniture belonging... more »

Outdoor Sculpture for the Main Library.

Install a nice outdoor art sculpture on the dismal, barren stone pedestal already outside the Main Library. It will give an esthetic purpose for both to be enjoyed by the patrons.

How about events on the Green Ways? ie Art festivals, etc. It would be a good way to get people out on the Green Ways and make a day out of it. Trunk sales, etc...

The airport terminal could reflect more of the cultural diversity of Huntsville, in addition to the defense industry and rocket legacy. We need more art and music to enrich the passenger experience, like Nashville and so many other airports that express their regions' rich culture.

An art crawl is a partnership with the businesses on and around the square. Local artists would set up some art pieces in one of the businesses around the square. Maps and ads directing the public to visit both the artist and the business. A great family event and get more people to see all the great art and businesses around the square. I saw this in Murfreesboro Tennessee. See their link below for an example... more »

Huntsville needs to utilize its great local artist base to integrate locally-themed sculptures, mosaics, fountains, murals, etc. into the new downtown developments. Otherwise, as places they will just be newly designed strip malls, only as endearing a landmark as the novelty that will wear out before they are paid for. Great cities have great art that serves as landmarks (not generic landmarks like, Publix or the latest... more »

Huntsville would benefit from a real County Fair highlighting the agricultural accomplishments of the community, which serves as both a formal (4-H) and informal (exhibits/competitions/livestock shows) educational exhibition, as well as promotes local agricultural related industry (ie, Belle Chevre/Happy Heart, Historical Farms, Garden Clubs, Bee Keepers, Hobby Farms, Equestrian Clubs, Artists, Co-ops, CT Garvins, Tractor... more »

Sao Paulo, Brazil has a very unique area in the city known for it's "open-air museum" of street art graffiti paintings. I don't mean your typical "tagging" that usually peppers trains or buildings but full blown art pieces (think mural) by skilled artist. Scroll down and check out the attached photo under "attachments" for an example. Also, here's a link to a video of Anthony Bourdain visiting the area with one of... more »

The Clinton Row Project, with the exception of the convenience store, has basically become an artist sales outlet. This goes to show that: 1) Lowe Mill is at capacity 2) Not all artists fit in the hippy-funky vibe at Lowe Mill 3) Not all customers dig the hippy-funky vibe at Lowe Mill 4) Not all artists, even if they could get into Lowe Mill, are interested in working in that kind of public warehouse atmosphere.... more »

The so-called scenic overlook on Governor's drive no longer overlooks anything. The trees have been allowed to grow up so tall, they are raising the water tower. The residents in homes above the overlook are still enjoying their views and would no doubt resist any attempts to clear the view and reveal the water tower. Why not turn the water tower into an asset, by commissioning it as a public art piece? If the tower... more »

There rear of the VBC is highly visible from the parkway. In its current beige coloration, it is not interesting though not considered as unsightly as the power station by many. Perhaps local tag artists could be selected from a competition to enhance the sections of the second level. Melbourne, Australia used artists whose graffiti had previously blighted local business and public buildings by soliciting involvement... more »