Public Art - Sculptures

Rotating Sculpture Program 

With funding from a voter approved Transient Guest Tax, the City of Liberty and the Liberty Arts Commission developed an annual Rotating Sculpture Program starting in 2017. Each year, the outdoor sculpture exhibition features original, three-dimensional works of art. A list of all the sculptures currently on display, an exhibit map and more is available here »

For a full list of purchased pieces and a map of the locations »

Apply for the Rotating Sculpture Program

Applications for the 2026-2027 Rotating Sculpture Program are now open! 9 artists will be selected to display their three-dimensional works of art around the historic downtown Liberty area.

Selected artists will receive a $2,000 honorarium upon installation in September and pieces will remain up for one year. The deadline to apply is April 15.

For more information and to apply »

Photo of the Parent and Child Sculpture by Albert Rhea

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

Photo of the China Slaughter Reading Park Statue

The Great Americans Project

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!

Photo of the George Washington Statue part of the Great Americans Project

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 of the Mark Twain Statue that's part of the Great Americans Project
Photo of the Susan B Anthony Statue that's part of the Great Americans Project

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.

Photo of the Wind Sculptures in their permanent location at the roundabout by Hy-Vee

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 foremost a telecommunications tower, the giant pencil brightens Liberty's skyline.

Photo of the Bottle Tree sculpture
Photo of the Pencil Cell Tower

Feral Giraffes

Donate by  John Canuteson in memory of his son Eric, who passed away in 2011,  this piece is located on the northern section of Ruth Moore Park. The art pieces, entitled “Feral Giraffes,”  was commissioned by Joe Sackett.
Photo of three giraffe sculptures titled "Feral Giraffe"