Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Unveils New Community Mural in Topeka
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) today unveiled a new community mural – titled “Community Minded. Kansas Rooted.” – on its Topeka campus.
The vibrant new piece of public art reflects the company’s deep commitment to building healthy communities and ensuring all people across Kansas have access to quality health care during every stage of life. A 10:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony today marked the mural’s official debut.
“This mural is more than a beautiful addition to our campus. It’s a reflection of who we are as a local health plan,” said Matt All, President/CEO. “It represents our belief that health, community and connection go hand in hand, and that every Kansan deserves to feel seen and supported.”
Created by local artist and retired Coast Guard veteran Zandra Sneed-Dawkins (pronounced ZAND-ruh), the mural spans the north exterior of Building B on the Topeka campus, facing S.W. 11th Street, between Polk and Tyler streets.
“Connection is at the heart of this mural, and that’s exactly what I experienced while working with the Blue Cross team,” Zandra said. “I didn’t realize they were a not-for-profit when I started, but as I got to know the people and the purpose behind the work, it became clear how much they care about giving back to the community.”
The mural depicts a variety of scenes of Kansas life – from children playing in the park, to people enjoying a farmers market, to a person celebrating a graduation – and was shaped by input from BCBSKS employees, who also selected the mural’s name through a company-wide vote.
Visitors can look for the following features within the mural:
A central image incorporates several state symbols – including the Kansas Capitol building; our state flower, the sunflower; and the state animal, the American buffalo.
Live landscaping integrates with and complements the mural and includes a stone path allowing visitors to get close up for selfies.
One figure in the mural wears a watch displaying the time 3:42 – representing March 1942, the date Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas was founded.
“We hope every community member will look at this mural and see themselves represented,” said Lonnie Walker Jr., BCBSKS Director, Connection and Belonging. “Like all works of art, how people interpret a piece is deeply personal. We encourage community members to stop by, enjoy the mural and share their observations about the power of community connections.”
