The J. Doe project was the brainchild of artist Eddith Buis. Inspired by similar fiberglass community projects in cities like Chicago, Kansas City, and New York. Most urban areas had typically used animals for similar projects, Buis saw people as the main draw, and Omaha became the only city to use the human figure as the canvas for artists to interpret. The project was supported by local businesses and ninety-five artists participated in the project, with some creating more than one sculpture.