FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Internationally renowned street artist Leon Keer of the Netherlands has been selected to design and install a major new mural on the West Avenue Parking Deck in the Dickson Street Entertainment District. 

The project is an initiative of the City of Fayetteville’s Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Department and is being developed with AGAR, a placemaking and curation firm in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Keer, a pop-surrealist artist, is known for his large-scale, three-dimensional street paintings that combine classical techniques with augmented reality. His work has appeared on streets and in galleries across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the United States. 

The West Avenue mural will reflect Keer’s signature style of activating everyday objects from childhood — in this case, toy cars — to create a whimsical, interactive moment in the heart of the city.

“Leon Keer makes art that surprises you,” said Joanna Sheehan Bell, the City’s arts and culture director. “His incredibly detailed work invites wonder, curiosity, reflection and joy — qualities that align with the goals of our public art program and make his work a perfect fit for Fayetteville.”
 

The mural will be installed later this spring, with painting anticipated to begin in late May. Updates and details about public events surrounding the mural installation will be announced later.

AGAR is serving as the lead consultant on the project following a competitive selection process. Its team guided the curatorial direction, artist engagement and design review leading to Keer’s selection.

A steering committee recommended the mural concept – one of three potential concepts – to the Fayetteville Arts Council, which approved the mural Wednesday, April 16, during its regular meeting. 

The committee was comprised of the following members: Bob Stafford (Fayetteville City Council, Fayetteville Arts Council), Brian Crowne (Downtown Fayetteville Coalition), Morgan Scholz (Downtown Fayetteville Coalition), Candy Harrell (Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce), artist Joelle Storet and Su A Chae (University of Arkansas School of Art).

For more information about this project, visit: https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4439/West-Avenue-Parking-Deck-Mural. 

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