B.J. Lehecka

I approach mural and public art making as an Environmental Artist and Public Sculptor focused on the themes of Nature’s narrative—growth, decay, and resilience. My practice intentionally bridges the organic and the digital across varied media, challenging traditional perceptions of scale and permanence. My core artistic goal is to create pieces that not only reflect the raw beauty of our environment but also serve as an invitation to engage with and protect it.

My work for the community is characterized by:

Monumental Scale and Architectural Integration: I have a demonstrated ability to execute complex, large-scale projects, translating two-dimensional concepts to permanent, architectural surfaces. Examples include the 12-foot Coleman Pride Mural and the two 16-foot tall Sentinel Deer sculptures built from custom-cut and fitted wood panels. This expertise allows me to create monumental installations that become visual anchors in the public sphere.

Deep Alignment with Conservation and Place: My pieces are unified by a deep commitment to environmental conservation. I use art to highlight critical local and global issues, such as the need for habitat protection with the Glacier Bloom penguin sculpture for the Tanganyika Wildlife Foundation , or by incorporating native Kansas flowers and essential wildlife into commercial work like the Riverfest 2026: Bloom by the Banks illustration.

I aim for my public work to be engaging and accessible. This ranges from high-impact graphic design for a major community event like Riverfest , to creating spaces like The Wooded Retreat, which explores the relationship between nature and enclosure , and providing community pride through murals.

Allison’s murals often have images of native Kansas plants and pollinators, so educational activities can be learning about the prairie ecosystem that we live in. This could include sessions for kids to come paint or color while learning what the flowers and pollinators are.

Primary Artistic Offerings (Mural and Sculpture)
The pricing for permanent public art is based on the nature of the project:

Mural Painting: The rate is typically between $35 and $65 per square foot. This rate varies based on the design’s complexity, the surface material (e.g., rough concrete, brick), the level of detail required, and the total surface area.

Large-Scale Sculpture and Architectural Installation: This work (such as the 16-foot Sentinel Deer or architectural builds like The Wooded Retreat) is quoted as a project-based flat rate, with minimum fees starting at approximately $4,000. This rate is highly variable and depends on the specialized processes required, including design, engineering, extensive material fabrication, and on-site installation.

Concept Design and Digital Illustration: For preliminary concept work, high-resolution design files (like the Riverfest illustration), and graphic components of public art, the rate is $85 to $125 per hour.

Conditions and Expense Factors
Project fees are contingent upon several variables and will include reimbursement for related expenses:

Materials and Fabrication Costs: All expenses for raw materials (such as custom-cut wood, paint, clear coat, and internal lighting) and any necessary specialized cartage fees or equipment rentals (e.g., scaffolding, lifts) are itemized and billed separately from the artistic labor fee.

Subcontractor Fees: If the project requires expertise outside of my artistic scope (e.g., specialized heavy equipment operation or structural review), the fees for these subcontractors will be a direct pass-through cost to the client.

Advance Notice: I request a minimum of 4-6 weeks of advance notice from the final contract signing to allow for materials sourcing, detailed engineering/fabrication planning, and scheduling of necessary heavy equipment or assistants.

Seasonal Availability: Due to the nature of large-scale outdoor fabrication and mural work, my optimal availability for installation is typically between April and October to avoid severe Kansas winter weather, which affects paint curing, material safety, and on-site working conditions.

Distance: I am willing to travel to Kansas communities outside of my home base , and can accept bookings in communities at least 60 miles outside of my home base (Andover/Wichita). Travel expenses will be calculated as outlined in the “Artist Fees” section.

Venue/Site Requirements: Access to a level surface, reliable electricity, and temporary, secure storage for tools and materials are essential for any installation or mural project.

• Currículum
• Declaración del artista
• Biografía del artista