Kansas City unveils "Light in Your Eyes" public art in Waldo; officials launch Waldo Wednesdays

Kansas City officials and neighborhood leaders on Monday cut the ribbon on "Light in Your Eyes," a new public-art installation in the Waldo business district funded through the city's 1% for Art program.

James Martin, the city's public art administrator, opened the ceremony and described the program's scope: "we've had 1% for Art since the late 1980s," he said, noting the policy places art in city construction projects such as the Harry Truman terminal at KCI and local streetscape work. Martin thanked the project's selection panel, municipal art commission, local fabricator Metal One and city permitting staff.

The installation, created by Rosario Marquart, Roberto Behar and Georgie John (who were not present), was fabricated in Kansas City by Metal One. Martin named contractors and staff who helped deliver the project, including Brian Carter and Black & McDonald for foundations and electrical work and city staffers Michael Codington, Rexana Reyes, Brandon Elo and Yolanda McKenzie for permitting and project coordination.

Councilman Jonathan Duncan, who led remarks after the introduction, praised public works and staff and described early neighborhood reactions. Recounting a conversation with a local barista, he said residents asked, "What is this pink octopus that's in Waldo right now?" He added, "This belongs to us. This is the people's art."

A council member identified in the program as Councilwoman Andrea Buu described the artwork's name and purpose, saying the piece "is called the light in your eyes" and framing it as a place to gather. She and others said the unveiling also kicks off "Waldo Wednesdays," a four-week series of evening events meant to draw residents and visitors to the corridor.

Mayor Pepe offered a personal reflection on growing up near the neighborhood and said the installation "represents a true light in the eyes of our city," thanking council members and staff for the investment.

Sean Anderson, speaking near the close of the ceremony, said the neighborhood's slogan "Keep Waldo Weird" captures the installation's spirit and promoted the Waldo Wednesdays schedule, which organizers said will begin at 4 p.m. with DJ Max Groove and local vendors.

Artists Marquart, Behar and John were not in attendance but are expected to visit the work in the coming weeks. The ceremony concluded with a countdown and the ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by applause.

Why it matters: The project uses the city's long-standing 1% for Art approach to incorporate public art into infrastructure and streetscape improvements, officials said, and organizers are coupling the unveiling with new community programming intended to increase foot traffic and neighborhood activity.

What happens next: Organizers said Waldo Wednesdays will run for four weeks starting with a 4 p.m. kickoff and feature local vendors and music. The artists plan to visit the installation soon; city staff will continue maintenance and public engagement around the piece.