Public Art Collection

Red

JT Daniels

This privately commissioned mural is located in the alley of the old Dayton Hotel in Downtown Lee’s Summit.

While not Lee’s Summit’s only mural, it is the most impressive and iconic, spanning the entire wall of the historic building. Realizing the opportunity for future murals throughout the community, the city worked with local business owners and Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street to develop a mural ordinance. Adopted in 2016 the ordinance helps guide the commissioning of the city’s murals both privately and publicly owned. The mural has become a focal point for Downtown Lee’s Summit as people stop and take selfies against the wall. Local photographers have found it to be a unique backdrop for engagement, wedding, and senior photos. JT Daniels uses his art to support and uplift the community. His murals can be seen all over Kansas City, adorning walls of small businesses, street car stops, galleries, and local neighborhoods. His work weaves together various elements, such as characters and phrases, into streamlined designs that represent the heartbeat of the urban community. 

“JT Daniels and I collaborated together on ideas and landed on the lovely urban redhead I call Red, a perfect example of how an investment in public art outweighs the cost,” says Ben Rao, president, Bridge Space. “When I decided to do the mural project, I wanted to create energy, activity, and a place for people to take selfies knowing that they would be tagged as Lee's Summit. I believe if we create more public art, we can create a destination to attract people who want to experience and share art and boost spending in shops and restaurants. The more art we have, the cooler or groovier we become and the more people we attract.”