The murals are bright, vibrant and — if greenlighted by city officials — would grace four buildings in downtown Overland Park.
The artworks would be the first major multi-mural project in Overland Park, where last year city leaders designated the downtown area as an “innovation, design, entrepreneurship and arts district” meant to serve as a “hub of creativity.”
But the proposed art also has the community talking about what images best represent the community. Craig Sole, who owns the florist shop on Conser near two of the proposed murals, said he was instantly excited about designs he called “modern and moving-forward.” He imagined teenagers and brides flocking to to take pictures in front of the brightly colored walls.
“It’s not Conestoga wagons, which is what some people expected,” Sole said. “I thought, ‘oh what a cool idea — it’s bright, bold and fabulous.’”
But not everyone shares his enthusiasm. Since art plans have been shared in multiple public meetings, some concerns about the murals downtown — and their content — have circulated in online forums and community conversations. The pieces have sparked talk about art, race and city process.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)