Jim Stukey

Jim is a self-taught artist, from Burlington, Kansas. Jim has done murals for over 30 years in various Kansas cities, private homes and public spaces. To date he has done over one hundred murals in the Coffey County area, Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka. The majority of Jim’s murals have historical significance. Jim researches the history of the area, or subject prior to starting a mural. Jim meets with all parties involved in commissioning the art. He does a planning sketch and welcomes input before doing a final draft and starting to paint the mural. Jim enjoys and welcomes members of the community to volunteer working on the mural from start to finish.

Jim holds public meetings with city councils and other governing bodies to explain the mural process. Community members are encouraged to share personal stories, and bring photos to contribute to the creation of each mural. Jim does extensive research at the local Historical Society Archives. After all the research and gathering of stories, Jim does a sketch of the mural concept, then presents in a group meeting and asks for any input or changes. A final sketch is presented for approval before work begins.

Jim trabaja con escuelas, organizaciones comunitarias y grupos con necesidades especiales para informarles sobre el proceso de creación de murales. También se pide a los artistas locales que contribuyan al proceso de diseño. Se realizan actividades artísticas centradas en el diseño y la creación de murales. Durante las actividades artísticas se anima a los participantes a contribuir al diseño del mural. Jim tiene un enfoque orgánico, que permite ideas creativas del público, asegurando así que el público se apropie del proyecto. Se anima a las organizaciones locales y a los miembros de la comunidad de todas las edades a participar en el proceso de pintura del mural.

Fee is determined by size and content. The fee is inclusive and will include the design process, community engagement, creating the work, follow up and installation. Material costs are not included in the fee and are the responsibility of the art patron. Fees range from $5,000 to $35,000. Large more time-consuming projects may need additional fees. Jim is willing to evaluate each project individually.

Any wall over 10 feet tall, scissor lift or bucket truck must be provided.

Jim worked on the Mound Ridge, KS mural project and had to make design changes last minute and it worked out. The Gridley, KS was not a historical mural, like he normally does. It was a more contemporary design. Jim touches up murals he completed 20 years ago.