Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, Knoxville’s Sunsphere is an iconic fixture in the city’s expansive skyline. It stands 266-feet tall (that’s 26 stories), and each glass pane is dusted in 24-karat gold. In its heyday, it cost visitors $2 to take the elevator ride to the observation deck on the fourth floor, but today it’s free to the public, be it locals or out-of-towners.
Local artists keen to use the structure as a focal point. And why wouldn’t they? Just as the tri-star says Tennessee, the Sunsphere says Knoxville. Check out these goods from area Etsy shops.
Sunsphere Tote by shopMeghanMcCrary: 100% cotton canvas tote, approximately 15x16x4 inches, screen-printed by hand with water-based ink, can be machine-washed and ironed. $18.
Sunsphere Wooden Sign by Opal Design Shop: built from reclaimed pallet wood, 19x11 inches, stained in dark walnut, hand lettering. $50
Sunsphere Coasters by Opal Design Shop: screen-printed by hand, 4x4 inches, coated and protected. $24
Sunsphere Magnets by Ember Made Co.: wood-burned and hand-painted, sealed with a matte finish. $7
Sunsphere "Stay Golden" Postcards by shopMeghanMcCrary: 4x6 inches, rounded corners, 110lb white matte paper. $6
Knoxville Map with Sunsphere by LiveLoveStudio: hand-drawn on linen paper, 8x10 and 11x14 prints. $29+
