JT Daniels and his Manhattan, Kansas mural “Incite MHK."
The Merc Co+op is excited to announce a partnership with local artist JT Daniels to design and install a mural on the corner wall of the grocery store's Kansas City, Kansas, location at 5th & Minnesota Ave.
Art has been in the plans for the east-facing corner long before the store was built. And, that intersection is identified as a "catalyst block" in the Unified Government's (UG) Master Plan for Downtown KCK - as it serves as a gateway and focal point that welcomes people to the area. Per our management agreement with the UG, funding for this mural is coming from the city.
"Our co-op's mission is to be an inviting, multi-cultural urban market that offers a hybrid variety of affordable, conventional, local and organic products. Much like food, public art has the power to connect people and community," said Rita York Hennecke, General Manager. "With input from our neighbors, the goal is for the finished piece to resonate with local residents as a physical representation that this community-owned store is a neighborhood hub where everyone is welcome."
The artists who submitted proposals explored themes of food, diversity and inclusion, community, and empowerment. Consideration was given to local Kansas City-based artists with professional qualifications and artistic excellence. An eight person selection committee collaborated to review the submitted proposals, interview the artists, and select who would complete the work.
"We had a number of excellent submissions by local artists making it a very difficult decision for the selection committee," said Laura Marsh, Outreach Manager, The Merc Co+op. "Ultimately, JT Daniels' proposal which exhibited his experience utilizing community input in the design process, his profound knowledge and mastery of the medium, and his genuine connection to Kansas City, Kansas, made him their top pick."
From JT Daniels website: "JT Daniels started pursuing art in elementary school, where he became infatuated with comic book art and illustration. Later, he graduated from Park University with a BA that was focused on painting. After graduating, he began working as a youth development coordinator, where he helped to establish an art program that produced murals by creative professionals partnered with at-risk youth. After leaving the non-profit organization, he transitioned into mentoring adults with varying mental and physical disabilities and assisted them as they pursued art as employment for JCDS. In 2019, JT began working as an artist full time, where he uses his art to support and uplift the community through murals."
"I grew up in Wyandotte county, which was my home, officially, for 30 years before I moved into Missouri," Daniels said. "I have an affinity for my home town, as I spent many a year dreaming of opportunities to see my community flourish and change like those around me."
As part of the partnership and Daniels' design process, the co-op will reach out to the KCK community for insight and ideas on what this community means to you. They will offer a variety of ways to engage, including:
An Artist Meet + Greet on Friday, July 16 from 6-8 p.m. in the store’s cafe.
A digital survey with a paper version available at 501 Minnesota
A coloring sheet where individuals can design and share their own mural ideas. This is a great way for kids to participate! Sheets are available in store or online.
Co-op representatives will be making the rounds at neighborhood association meetings to invite folks to share their ideas.
For additional events and questions, contact Laura Marsh, Outreach Manager at outreach@themerc.coop.
The Merc Co+op would like to thank the Mural Selection Committee, including: Chris Green, Director of the Alcott Arts Center; Karen French, Turtle Hill Neighborhood Association Member; John Kelly, Director of Building and Logistics for the UG; Stephanie Moore, Analyst for the UG and Board Chair of KCK Farmers Market; Deon Whitten, JAG Educator at F.L. Schlagle and Board Treasurer of The Merc Co+op; Anthony Lang, Board Member of The Merc Co+op, and York Hennecke, The Merc Co+op General Manager.
A special thanks to José Faus and Pat Alexander with Charlotte Street Foundation for their insight into the process of requesting proposals and for helping to make connections with local muralists. Additional thanks to Dave Lowenstein for his consultation and expertise in community-based murals.
