Public Art - Sculptures

Public Art - Sculpture Program

With funding from a voter approved Transient Guest Tax, the City of Liberty and the Liberty Arts Commission (LAC) have developed a rotating Sculpture Program that brings in original, three-dimensional works of art into historic downtown Liberty each year. Started in 2017, the program has expanded from one sculpture in 2017 to nine in 2019. 

The 2020-2021 sculpture program will feature these seven installations: 

Each year, the LAC has the option to purchase a sculpture from the exhibit to add to the City's public art collection. Check out these sculptures now on permanent display:

  • 2017 - Jacob Burmood's Plumb Twisted, installed in front of the Liberty Community Center 
  • 2018 - Tim Adams' The Other Extreme, installed at Fire Station 3 on Lightburne.
  • 2018 - Matthew Duffy's Open Heart, installed at the Withers Road entrance to Westboro/Canterbury Park 
  • 2019 - Greg Mueller's Prairie Ship will stay in its current downtown location for the 2020-2021 exhibit and will then be moved to a permanent home at Stocksdale Park. 

China Slaughter Reading Park Sculpture

Dedicated on April 26, 2018, the bronze sculpture of Lawrence "China" Slaughter and two children sits across from Franklin Elementary School, where he served as a beloved crossing guard for many years. Slaughter served Liberty Public Schools for 47 years, as a custodian of Garrison School, crossing guard and finally as supervisor of custodians for the entire school district. 

Slaughter grew up in Liberty and returned after graduating from college in Indiana. He held a teaching degree and certificate in Missouri and taught for the state of Missouri.

The Liberty Arts Foundation raised $62,000 to commission this statue of Slaughter. 

Location: Corner of Mill and Gallatin streets

China Slaughter for web

The Great Americans Project

Former Liberty Mayor Greg Canuteson initiated The Great Americans Project to celebrate and honor men and women in American history. Through private fundraising, the project has brought two life-sized bronze statues to historic downtown since 2013. The Great Americans Project Board of Directors plans to continue introducing more sculptures in the coming years. 

If you'd like to see these incredible statues in person, all are located within walking distance of each other!

George Washington

The first Great Americans Project statue was unveiled in June 2013. The life-size bronze sculpture of George Washington stands proudly atop a pedestal, pointing the way to William Jewell College.

Location: Corner of Mill and Lightburne streets

Mark Twain

The second Great American statue, a life-size bronze sculpture of literary icon and Missouri Native, Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, was unveiled in 2016.

Location: Corner of Kansas and Missouri streets

Susan B. Anthony

The statue of suffragette Susan B. Anthony was unveiled on July 3, 2019 on the 100th anniversary of the State of Missouri's ratification of the 19th amendment. The Missouri Governor signed a resolution ratifying the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on July 3, 1919. By August 1920, 36 states had ratified the amendment giving women the right to vote.

Location: Corner of Kansas and Water streets

Photo Gallery» 

George Washington sculpture horiz for web 2015.jpg
Twain eyes
Susan B Anthony cropped

Wind Sculptures

The Liberty Arts Commission installed three kinetic sculptures in 2013. The sculptures were created by internationally known artist Lyman Whitaker, whose work is also found in California, Florida and abroad. The organic forms of each unique piece are sculpted in metal that is designed to patina over time and move gently in the wind.

Funding for the project was raised through donations from individuals, local businesses, and the developers of the Liberty Triangle shopping center with the assistance of the Liberty Arts Foundation.

Location: In the centers of the two roundabouts on College Street between Conistor Street and Blue Jay Drive.

WIndSculpturesLibertyTriangle.jpg

Bottle Tree

Created by Liberty resident Robert Evans, the 800-pound steel sculpture was unveiled in 2013. With links to Africa and carried to the Americas through the slave trade, bottle trees are believed to trap evil spirits after dusk and vaporize them in the heat of the morning sun. 

Location: 502 N. Water Street

The Giant Pencil

A 100-foot, yellow No. 2 pencil can also be found in Liberty's skyscape. First and foremast a telecommunications tower, the giant pencil brightens Liberty's sklyine.

Bottle Tree sm