Get to know some of the local artists whose work can be found woven all throughout Kansas City, KS. 
Lydia Knopp is a native and creative of Kansas City, KS. Alongside other artists, she completed a mural project in summer 2019 about the Native and African American histories of her hometown neighborhood of Rosedale in Kansas City, KS.
Describe the style and artistry of the work you do...
Lydia: I'm graphic designer by trade, but grew up loving nostalgic stuff & history. I really love collage, and creating something whole out of parts and pieces of things. I've blended that love into my design, swapping scissors for Photoshop, and pencils for typography. I had a chance to study in the mural capital of the world, Philadelphia, PA, where I learned the power of public art to share public voice, especially those typically underrepresented in history. All of these loves intersect for me in mural making. I start with listening to community history, and then piece it together digitally to create a "paint-by-numbers" like template so that the same community can participate in painting their own stories. There's nothing more fulfilling to my inner artist/curator than doing this in my hometown of KCK alongside all the talented artists we have here.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I'm a people person, and I draw inspiration from stories. Everyone has one, and I enjoy sharing the human stuff behind those stories (like justice, strength, & courage) that connects us all.
Where is a good place in Kansas City, KS specifically to find inspiration?
I grew up in Rosedale, and now live in Strawberry Hill. I find inspiration from the living history of those neighborhoods. The food, natural landscape, urban legends, architecture, and traditions are all threads that make up the larger "fabric" of Wyandotte County and I'm honored to be a small part of that. Natural spaces in the city are also inspiring. Places like Sanctuary of Hope, Kaw Point Park, Jersey Creek Trail, and the Roseark Trails are all favorite in-city getaways.
Where can your art be found in the Kansas City area?
Check out a few panels I designed and curated at the 42nd Street Mural Project, on the corner of 42nd Avenue & Mission Road in Rosedale. There's also an interior mural in Wyandotte Highschool's first coworking space, Suite 1886 that I co-created with students & teacher, Sheyvette Dinkens. Lastly, I had hands in helping create the globe sculpture outside of USD 500 School District Offices off of Parallel Parkway. And always stay tuned... the work is never done. :)
Feeling your own artistic inspiration from local artist Lydia Knopp? Check out these coloring pages she designed based on her work and places she finds inspiration. Learn more about Lydia and other Kansas City, KS local artists here.
