At Q Kansas City, art is more than decoration—it’s a celebration of community, identity, and connection. The vibrant murals that will adorn the space are the work of a talented team of artists, each bringing their unique vision and passion to the project. Lead muralist Jared Horman collaborated with interior designer Will Brown, owner Lance Pierce, and fellow artists Kerry Grant and Jessie Green to create bold, modern, and joyful pieces that reflect the spirit of Kansas City’s queer community.
Jared Horman: From Design to Murals
Jared’s journey as an artist began in childhood, nurtured by a love for creativity that evolved over time. His passion solidified when he chose to pursue a degree in graphic design at Missouri State, setting him on a professional path that combined his artistic talents with a focus on visual storytelling.
While his career started in design, Jared had always been curious about murals but felt too intimidated to explore the medium—until he took a workshop in early 2018 that sparked his passion for large-scale art and showed him he already had the foundation to succeed.
“The workshop gave me the confidence to dive in and taught me that the best way to improve was to just start doing,” Jared explained.
Jared’s murals are infused with bold, modern designs that reflect a fresh, elevated queer experience. One of his favorite pieces at Q Kansas City, located in the Cove, features abstract, flowing shapes that feel human, earthy, and alive.
“It’s fascinating to me how this work echoes the pieces I painted in high school and college, back when I was still grappling with my personal identity,” Jared said. “Seeing this work now, creatively resolved—something I wasn’t able to do when I was younger—feels like a full-circle moment. It’s not just about the art but about my journey to embracing who I am.”
Kerry Grant: Collaboration and Creativity
Kerry Grant has been a full-time artist in Kansas City for five years, actively participating in both the queer and arts communities. Working on this project has been deeply meaningful for him.
“The collaborative process of these murals really speaks to how the queer community functions as a whole,” Kerry shared. “We are represented by many different groups and factions, but together we can create things that are truly beautiful.”
For Kerry, the project stands out both visually and personally. “I haven’t seen murals like these in a queer space before,” he said. “There’s so much queer DNA baked into this process—from the design to the execution. It’s going to set this place apart not just in Kansas City but across the nation.”
Jessie Green: Finding Connection Through Murals
Jessie Green’s passion for murals began during her time at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), where she learned the basics of large-scale art. Since then, she has developed her skills through countless projects across Kansas City.
“Murals are the most aligned with my style and personal work,” Jessie said. “I love the big, bold nature of murals and how they catch the attention of people. It takes courage to work on something this large, but it’s one of the most rewarding feelings in the world when you and others can step back and see the creation.”
For Jessie, murals are about more than just art—they’re about bringing a community together.
“The murals in these spaces will create so many experiences for the community,” she said. “It’s exciting to be asked to join such a great team and paint alongside Jared and Kerry. The stories and moments these artworks will bring are what make this project so meaningful to me.”
Jessie also spoke highly of the collaboration. “This has been one of the best teams I’ve ever joined! It’s been amazing learning techniques from Kerry and Jared, and they’re an absolute blast to be around. They’ve inspired me to use different approaches in my own work.”
A Space for Joy and Connection
At its core, the murals at Q Kansas City are designed to inspire joy. The team hopes visitors will feel a sense of fun, happiness, and community when they see the art.
“This is a place to leave behind the boundaries, boxes, and masking we do in everyday life,” Jared said. “Here, you can be your authentic self—connect with friends, make new ones, and create memories that feel true to who you are.”
Kerry echoed this sentiment. “I’m proud to be a queer artist in Kansas City contributing to the beautification of queer spaces. It means the world to me to be part of something this meaningful.”
Jessie agreed, emphasizing the transformative power of art. “I can’t thank the team enough for what I’ve seen this space become. Murals like these bring people together, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
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