Downtown Knoxville Gets a Wildly Fun New Addition by Artist Gared Luquet

Strong Alley Roars to Life with Zoo-Inspired Artwork

Something ‘Wildly Fun’ is coming to Strong Alley this summer — thanks to a brand-new mural by local artist Gared Luquet, commissioned by Zoo Knoxville through our Art in Public Places Mural Program. Spanning 180 square feet, the piece showcases some of the Zoo’s most beloved residents — from a Southern white rhino and Malayan tiger to a giraffe, red panda, and Aldabra giant tortoise. The mural’s centerpiece, a striking Southern white rhino, appears to step right out of the wall, greeting visitors as they explore the 37 murals currently enlivening Strong Alley.

Luquet, known for blending meticulous wildlife realism with playful, surrealist twists, has a growing history with Dogwood Arts. Since first participating in the 2024 Dogwood Arts Mural Workshop at Maker Exchange, he’s had a solo exhibition in the Dogwood Gallery, created the fan-favorite “Smokey” mural in Strong Alley, and co-designed a large-scale Iris Apfel piece for KnoxWalls at Emory Place — Dogwood’s newest immersive public art destination in North Knoxville.

See more of Gared’s work online at https://www.mywildmenagerie.com/.

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“I'm so excited to return to the alley and create this mural on behalf of Zoo Knoxville and Dogwood Arts,” said Luquet. "One of my most memorable experiences was meeting Big Al the tortoise. He was the first animal I had the opportunity to see up close. Feeding and petting him left a huge impression on me; I was blown away by his age, size, and playful personality. Using photos from my visits to Zoo Knoxville along with images from the Zoo’s archive, I created a scene set in the tiger temple where a group of unexpected friends are hanging out, relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. People often ask while painting in Strong Alley how I was afforded this opportunity, and I’m always happy and grateful to share about Dogwood Arts and the amazing ways they support local artists."

“Knoxville’s street art is a living, breathing reflection of the city’s creativity, and Strong Alley is one of its most vibrant galleries,” said Zoo Knoxville CEO, Bill Street. “We’re honored to add Zoo Knoxville’s story to this space — a celebration of our wildlife, our community, and the artists who bring color and character to our city’s streets. This mural is more than art on a wall; it’s a reminder that Knoxville thrives when nature, culture, and creativity meet.”

The project was made possible through the support of Zoo Knoxville, Dogwood Arts, and Knoxville Utilities Board, who provided the wall space for the mural. 

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About Strong Alley & Dogwood Arts’ Mural Program

Strong Alley has been a creative canvas for decades, first gaining broad visibility with the Artist Alley Revamp Project in 2012, led by local artist Jane McGowan. With support from property owners, the City of Knoxville, and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, it has evolved into a vibrant public art destination visited by thousands each year.

Dogwood Arts has managed the alley’s continued growth since 2019 and has since commissioned over 70 murals in Strong Alley and beyond. Artists receive a materials stipend, and each mural is displayed for at least a year, with Dogwood covering repair and restoration costs when needed. Artists interested in painting in Strong Alley can learn more and apply at dogwoodarts.com/murals.