Spotlight on Chattanooga Street Artist SEVEN: Vibrant Murals and Community Impact
Background
Eric Finley Jr., professionally known as SEVEN, is a Chattanooga, Tennessee native and graduate of American Intercontinental University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Renowned for his striking street art murals across the Southeastern U.S., he sustains a full-time career as a freelance artist through graphic design, illustrations, and mural commissions. SEVEN also mentors youth and contributes to community art programs.
SEVEN's murals are bold, colorful, and visually captivating. Evolving from traditional graffiti, his work now explores geometry in graffiti, luminous color effects, and metaphors using animals or figures to provoke thought and enhance urban spaces.
His philosophy centers on elevating street art muralism, fostering cultural awareness, and positioning it as an empowering force in modern society.
Equity in the Arts Grant Project
As a 2017 Equity in the Arts grant recipient, SEVEN created large-scale graffiti murals in Chattanooga, collaborating with local and regional artists while mentoring apprentices.
Activity 1
SEVEN's debut mural graced a building on Brainerd Road at the McCallie Tunnel.
Activity 2
Teaming up with local artist Joy Taylor—whom he met at the Creative Discovery Museum—SEVEN supported her first mural on Southside's Main Street.
Activity 3
SEVEN hosted the Burnin' Bridges Block Party & Paint Jam with artists like BigTeeff and Killamari from Atlanta, and Joy Taylor. Over two days at Art Creations on Frazier Avenue, they painted murals amid DJ sets and food trucks. Watch highlights from the Burnin' Bridges Mural Jam 2017.
Activity 4
SEVEN mentored apprentices Monica Milligan and Raul Francisco, teaching spray-can techniques for their first large-scale murals based on personal designs.
Activity 5
SEVEN's final mural, titled "Intergalactic Time Traveler," adorns the Hutton and Smith building on MLK Blvd.
Explore more of SEVEN's work at theartistseven.com.
Instagram: @theartistseven
Email: kingdomgraphica@gmail.com
