"Wisteria Maiden" Mural

We first came across Tokyo-born artist JUURI's work on our travels to Oklahoma City, then invited her to come paint in Tennessee for Walls for Women. Tullahoma was one of the sites where Japanese—mostly U.S. citizens—were interned during World War II at Camp Forrest, and JUURI drew inspiration from that history for her concept. The figure she painted is a famous Japanese character, also known from a beautiful kabuki play; the play has no storyline, but rather is an enchanting dance of the maiden among the purple Wisteria blossoms.

“We Japanese are very steadfast and resilient people, and I’m sure that is how they got through this dark period,” she says. “Now I hope all citizens and visitors to the city, Japanese or not, can be inspired by my Wisteria Maiden.”

The Wisteria Maiden mural is located at 199 S. Wall St. in Tullahoma and was sponsored by Cycles Gladiator and Tennessee Arts Commission.