06/03/2026
Spent some time exploring Downtown Tulsa the other day, with one main goal in mind—seeing the brand-new Leon Russell mural on the Grooper Building in the Blue Dome District.
I loved the previous mural, but years of Oklahoma weather had taken their toll, so it was time for a fresh look. Artist JEKS created this incredible new tribute to Leon Russell, and what amazes me most is that it was done entirely with spray paint. The detail and realism are unbelievable!
The opposite side of the building is just as impressive, featuring an astronaut with the Tulsa skyline reflected in the helmet visor. It's one of those murals that makes you stop and stare for a while.
I also learned something new during this little photo adventure. Even though the Grooper Building sits on 3rd Street, we wandered over to 2nd Street and I spotted a Historic Route 66 sign that reads "1926–1932." I had no idea Route 66 once ran through that part of downtown. I always assumed it had always followed 11th Street through Tulsa. It's amazing how much local history you can discover when you slow down and look around.
https://lanatrussellprints.com/