SPENCER – An 80-foot-tall water tower now serves as the canvas for an Everywhere You Look, UT mural in Van Buren County. The tower faces Fall Creek Falls State Park, the most visited state park in Tennessee.
The mural marks county number 67 in the statewide campaign, with 74 total murals completed to date. An estimated 740 people pass by the water tower mural daily.
The tower is owned and operated by the Warren County Utility District, which serves seven counties in the area. Anthony Pelham, Warren County Utility District general manager, said he is proud to host the UT mural on one of the district’s towers.
“As we come into an area, we try to be community partners,” Pelham said. “We recognize the vital nature of Fall Creek Falls State Park and then you see that constant support across the wonderful state of Tennessee. I think part of it is just to be involved in the community and be a good advocate for UT. We’re certainly proud of our state and certainly proud of our main state university.”
Pelham has personal ties to UT Knoxville, with nieces and nephews attending the institution and earning engineering degrees. Though he graduated from Tennessee Tech, he says he grew up cheering on the Volunteers.
Pelham’s father was a manager at a utility district, and although Pelham began his career in mechanical engineering, he later transitioned into the environmental sector.
Environmental engineers at utility districts play a vital role in everyday life, protecting public health and safety. They safeguard the environment from contaminants, purify raw water and monitor the safety of drinking water, among other essential services.
“We serve our community. Many times it’s not highly thought of. Many people just turn their faucet, expect water to be there and the only time they call us is when it’s not or if there’s a problem,” Pelham said. “But once again, it’s something without our essential services, most communities don’t exist. And though we may take it for granted, whether it be other utilities, like gas or electric, water is one of those most essential services that’s necessary for every aspect of life.”
Chris Binkley, a UT Extension agent with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, proposed the mural idea to Pelham. Through growing up in the state, Pelham saw firsthand how the university system impacts communities statewide. He was eager about partnering with UT and representing all UT System campuses through the artwork on the water tower.
“It is a wonderful, wonderful state. And so that’s it. I think it’s just the promotion of the University of Tennessee and to understand all of the other UT schools that are there. Some folks think it is just UT Knoxville, but I, personally, know that’s not the case, and I’m very thankful. I’m very proud of all our schools,” Pelham said.
Pelham hopes those who pass the mural reflect on the impact of UT and how it connects all Tennesseans, whether alumni or not.
“It just reminds us that we’re all interconnected and that when you’re across the entire state of Tennessee, we are all really part of the same hometown,” he said. “Everywhere I’ve gone in the world, I’ve been in Japan, I’ve been in Korea, I’ve been in other places on professional work. Once again, you wear a bright orange cap with a Power T on it, and it makes a statement. When I see that ‘Everywhere You Look, UT’ logo, it stands out. I’m very proud of that and proud to be from Tennessee and proud to promote the University of Tennessee in any small way that I could do.”
To learn more about the Everywhere You Look, UT mural in Van Buren County or to submit a location for consideration, visit the campaign website.
