A few years ago, artist Wayne White created his own indoor funhouse history of his native Chattanooga, filled with puppets and sculptures.
Known as Wayne-o-Rama, the art installation was displayed in 2016 and 2017.
At the time, visitors were told, quote: “Imagine Pee-wee’s Playhouse crossed with the Smithsonian!” - apt since Wayne won three Emmys for art direction on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse”: the 1980’s TV show starring Paul Reubens, who died last month.
Now, the downtown Chattanooga Public Library - partnering with the Shaking Ray Levi Society - is showcasing works from the installation in the recently opened exhibition “History Funhouse: The Wayne-O-Rama Story,” on display through the end of the year - along with a calendar of events, including a meet-and-greet with Wayne White at the Library on Friday, August 25th.
I spoke with Jessica Sedgwick, the Library’s head of local history and genealogy - and artist Randy Fairchild.
