Buffalo Bills Public Art Program
Buffalo Bills Highmark Stadium
Wall-Based Artworks
Proposal by Christopher James Kull
[All content is also submitted on CaFÉ]
April 20th 2025

WalL-baSED ArTwORKS

Artwork Proposal

I’ve been thinking about the artwork for the Buffalo Bills Highmark Stadium from the perspective that the NFL season lasts close to 6 months, with a maximum of 10 home games. So I hope I’m developing art that speaks not only to Football, but more to the building, the Buffalo Bills and the location. I am submitting 2 proposals, both for The Suite Atrium Lower Level Suites, SL-A5 & SL-A8.

Researching the name for the Buffalo Bills reveals a fascinating history that starts with changing its name based on a contest. Named after the one of a kind William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Here are a few key points for why Buffalo Bill Cody should be included in the Wall-Based artworks. Born to an Ontario Father and a New Jersey Mother, Buffalo Bill fought in the American Civil War, killed 4,282 Buffalo as food for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, and fought in the Indian War. Native Americans were his enemy, but became his friend and fellow Americans. He acted on stage in Chicago and years later started and performed in Buffalo Bills Wild West that toured the USA, Canada and Europe and lasted for 30 years. He was an advocate for Native Americans rights, Women’s rights, was against Slavery, and was for the conservation of buffalo. His history is complex and amazing. His connection to American History, to Canada, to Sports and Entertainment, and of course to your NFL team the Buffalo Bills is a touch-down for why including Buffalo Bill Cody and his story in the artwork is important.

Proposal #1: Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull in front of the American Flag. There thankfully are many great photos of both men like the 2 photos above, to base my first painting proposal off of. Because of Buffalo Bill’s involvement in the Indian War, and then the later friendship or at least mutual respect with Sitting Bull and Native Americans, the pairing of these 2 influential Americans side-by-side in a painting could be seen as the bedrock of the new Highmark Stadium and America. And perhaps a lesson or reminder for the future that there is growth and peacefulness in accepting the coexistence of different cultures and people, as these 2 men tried to do. Along with being in front of the American flag, there is a Buffalo, or more accurately the Buffalo Bills logo connecting the two men. The painting style might be similar to Fauvism and Impressionism, with samples of my work in image 5.

  1. Proposal Mock-up Concept. Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull in front of the American Flag. About 7’3”x4’.
  2. Proposal Mock-up in The Suite Atrium.
  3. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Photograph by Prince Studio of New York, circa 1900.
  4. Sitting Bull. Photograph by William Notman & Son studio in Montreal, 1885.
  5. Collage of several of my paintings showing an approximate style these Portraits & Flag would be painted in.
  6. Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill. Photograph by William Notman & Son studio in Montreal, 1885.
  7. Proposal Mock-up in The Suite Atrium next to the rendering of the Atrium.

Proposal #2: USA and Canada Across Niagara Falls. In August 2024 my Family and I drove to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side and I later made this painting from one of those photos that is looking back across to America. This sparks what I think is a great artwork proposal. The idea is for a pair of paintings, or in this case one combined painting. One side is looking at Niagara Falls towards the USA and the other side is looking at Niagara Falls towards Canada. In the middle are the transparent American flag, Canadian flag and the blue Buffalo Bills logo. This pairing obviously has a lot of meaning behind it. With close friends, neighbors and family for hundreds of years living in harmony on both sides. This mock-up is not accurate since both sides are looking towards America. If this proposal is chosen, I will drive to Niagara Falls NY and document the view looking across Niagara Falls towards Canada to bring this idea to life.

  1. Proposal Mock-up Concept. USA and Canada Across Niagara Falls. About 8’6” x 4’.
  2. Proposal Mock-up in The Suite Atrium.
  3. Painting I made in February 2025 of the Niagara Falls showing an approximate possible style.
  4. A Photo I took from a trip to Niagara Falls in Canada, Aug 2024. My painting in image 3 is based off this photo.
  5. A Photo I took from my Family’s trip to Niagara Falls in Canada, Aug 2024.
  6. Proposal Mock-up in The Suite Atrium next to the rendering of the Atrium.

Both the USA and Canada Across Niagara Falls & Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull in front of the American Flag are proposed for The Suite Atrium Lower Level Suites, SL-A5 & SL-A8. Since each proposal is essentially 2 paintings combined into 1, I can see the proposals taking about one month each to complete. Based on the materials, time worked and value of the art in the end, $20,000 would be the suggested budget for each.

Working on these proposals was a joy, and a learning experience. Researching and exploring various concepts helped me better see and understand this beautiful land we live on. If given the chance to create these proposals, I would work on them from the perspective that they will be seen by people from many different backgrounds, and potentially existing for many years to come.