Historical society outlines public-art “buffalo” herd; first nine sculptures to be installed in Leavenworth

Carol Ayers, speaking for the Leavenworth County Historical Society, presented the “Buffalo Community Art Project” to the Leavenworth City Commission and described completed work, sponsors and installation plans.

Ayers told commissioners the historical society received a $16,000 state tourism grant awarded on a 60/40 match basis and commissioned local artists to design and paint fiberglass buffalo sculptures approximately 4 feet tall and 5 feet long. The project includes a mobile digital component: visitors will be able to scan a QR code to access historic and cultural narratives about the Kansas Plains and local history. Ayers said the project “offers a significant historic and cultural attraction” and that no similar public buffalo herds exist in the Midwest.

Project partners include University of Saint Mary students and faculty — the university sponsored at least one statue and student sculpture teams contributed designs — and community sponsors who have committed to multi-year placements. Ayers said nine sculptures in the first “herd” are complete and ready for installation once groundwork is finished. Home Depot, which awarded a separate grant, plans to pour concrete pads for the statues’ hooves; Ayers said the statues and concrete together will weigh about 25 pounds (as stated in the presentation).

She listed multiple downtown and regional sponsors and proposed locations. The city has approved four sites on city property for placement in downtown Leavenworth: Haymarket Square, the Main Street parking area, Tenpenny and Union Park. Other sponsors and placements described in the presentation include Heartland Dental, Culver’s on Eisenhower, the suburban restaurant and locations in Lansing and Tonganoxie. Ayers said the first sponsors have committed to five-year placements with an option to renew; the historical society will coordinate repainting and maintenance with artists if needed.

Commissioners asked about safety and insurance. Ayers said the project has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city that outlines maintenance expectations and site requirements such as not blocking sidewalks or stormwater infrastructure. City staff told the commission the original MOU requirement that sponsors carry insurance was removed after sponsors indicated it was cost-prohibitive; the historical society said Lansing added similar statues to the city’s insurance, and the society said it can carry insurance as a nonprofit if needed. Ayers acknowledged concerns about sculpted metal elements and said signs will ask the public not to climb on the sculptures.

A second order for 12 additional statues has been placed because of community demand; Ayers said multiple additional locations already have sponsors. The historical society will provide maps and QR-code signage at installation and expects 20 statues on display by the fall.

No formal action was required of the commission beyond existing site approvals and the MOU discussion; the commission expressed general support and encouragement.