KNOXVILLE, TN (September 7, 2023) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Visit Knoxville announces today a partnership with local company LOA Painting to visually enhance the guest experience on Mary Costa Plaza at Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. The concrete support poles leading to the entrance to the Coliseum are being painted to mimic the look of a Smoky Mountain sunset. Concert goers, Knoxville Ice Bear fans, and other event attendees will notice the vibrant colors even from a distance.

“We have been excited about this project for quite some time, and that’s due in great part to the partnership with LOA and the Romero family,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “We describe Knoxville as a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda town, and this artwork beautifully captures all of that. We appreciate LOA bringing the vision to life.”

LOA Painting was founded in 2023 by Jonathan Coffield in collaboration with a close-knit family from Honduras, the Romeros. After Jonathan met Leo Romero and his son Leo Jr., a number of interactions and jobs quickly led to the formation of the company. One of LOA’s most recent and recognizable projects is the exterior of the Base Coworking and Partial Coffee and Wine building at 828 N. Broadway.

When asked to express his enthusiasm for the company's mission, Jonathan Coffield, the visionary behind LOA Painting, replied, "Our goal is to not only beautify spaces but to also personify the love of Jesus to our clientele. The founding of our company was not coincidence, and we hope to show others that trusting God’s path in all aspects of our lives really makes a difference."

Leo Romero adds, “As a new company in East Tennessee, we are honored for the opportunity to make a lasting mark on such an iconic building.  We hope the mural will reflect the beauty of East Tennessee for patrons for years to come.”

Painting is now underway and should be complete by mid-September. The artwork adds to an ever-expanding portfolio of Knoxville’s Maker City artists’ work that can be seen throughout Knox County.

ABOUT VISIT KNOXVILLE
Visit Knoxville (Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau) is the official CVB for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Visit Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company that works together with the community, business leaders and local and state government to further develop Knoxville as a premier leisure, meetings and travel destination. Tourism is the second highest grossing industry in the state of Tennessee. Knoxville/Knox County annually produces over $1 billion in travel spending. For more information, visit visitknoxville.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ABOUT LOA PAINTING
"LOA" stands for "Love one another." This guiding principle forms the core of the company's values, shaping its approach to both artistry and customer service. LOA Painting brings a fresh perspective to the world of residential and commercial painting, along with a special focus on stunning murals that inspire and captivate. The company takes pride in its strong ties to the local community, valuing the diversity and talent that make it thrive. https://www.instagram.com/loa_painting/

###

Kristen Combs
Director of Communications
Visit Knoxville
865.306.4341
kcombs@knoxville.org