Exciting Art Initiative Brightens Kansas City’s Berkley Riverfront

Exciting Art Initiative Brightens Kansas City’s Berkley Riverfront

Kansas City, Mo. has become a vibrant canvas for local and visiting artists, as they unleash their creativity on large murals along the Berkley Riverfront. Led by the talented Donald “Scribe” Ross of ScribbleVerse Studios, this project invites a diverse array of artistic voices to brighten up a section of the city that is already set up like an open-air gallery.

Transforming Concrete Into Art

The murals are specifically located on a retaining wall beneath the bridge at the north end of Main Street in City Market. Scribe describes the site perfectly, noting how “the seams in the walls with how they did the construction many years ago set themselves up for really nice landscape pictures.” This unique setting allows each artist to put their own spin on what they want to express, creating a democratic space for creativity.

According to Scribe, it is inspiring to see how different artists interpret the same outdoor canvas. “You see a whole bunch of different voices in one space. It’s just that it’s outdoors,” he explained. This initiative is more than just painting on walls; it’s about **celebrating diversity and individuality** in art, with each mural telling its own story to everyone passing by.

A Unique Collaboration

This project is a collaborative effort between two organizations: Port KC and Spray KC, dubbed the “MO River Murals.” It originally kicked off last year and has expanded this season to beautify even more walls along the riverfront. Hundreds of residents and visitors frequently walk this area as they make their way to the riverfront, explore City Market, or catch a game at the nearby CPKC Stadium.

Scribe emphasizes how the outdoor gallery format encourages curiosity. “This is a great place to have an outdoor gallery and make that a place where people can stop and be curious about the different artwork,” he shared. He mentions that just like looking at flowers, residents and visitors can engage with the artwork and appreciate the creativity that surrounds them.

Artists from Far and Wide

This year’s lineup of artists includes familiar local talents like Scribe himself and Alexander Austin, plus newcomers from across the country. Among them are Nicole Salgar from Florida, Chelsea Lewinski from Colorado, Michael “Birdcap” Roy from Tennessee, and Charles “EMIT” Krausz from Colorado. Salgar, who just arrived in Kansas City a few days ago, eagerly anticipates exploring the area while showcasing her artwork.

She shared her intention for her mural, stating, “I wanted to choose an image that had a strong female presence and energy.” Salgar’s work often focuses on the connections between humans and nature, something she believes will resonate with the community. “I just want people to be proud of the area, be proud of their city,” she expressed. “Now they can see it when they’re walking by, and it just brings a little joy and fun to their life.”

Upcoming MO River Mural Festival

Mark your calendars for the MO River Mural festival set for Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This festival promises an array of activities, celebrating not just the artists but the community that sustains them. Thanks to a grant from the Kansas City Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund, much of the festival’s costs have been covered. Partner sponsors, such as KC Current and Holmes Murphy Insurance, add to the excitement.

A spokesperson from Port KC noted, “The idea of beautifying this stretch of Kansas City was a way to combat the repetitive need to clean graffiti off of the structures.” With an eye toward prevention, they aimed to create a purpose-driven solution that supports all kinds of artists, including street artists who often work outside traditional frameworks.

Join the Celebration!

Public parking is available at City Market and the empty lot in front of Core KC, making it easy for art enthusiasts to soak in the creativity. However, visitors should note that there is no public parking available at BarK.

So, whether you’re a local resident or a visiting art lover, the Berkley Riverfront is the place to be. With **eye-catching art** and a sense of community flourishing, you won’t want to miss the chance to experience Kansas City’s artistic transformation!