As our 2025 season comes to a close, we pause to reflect on what Wonder truly meant for Kansas City this year.

Wonder was more than a theme — it was a feeling that moved through every performance, installation, and shared moment downtown. It reminded us that art has the power to surprise us, to slow us down, and to bring people together in ways both quiet and bold.

Throughout the summer, the parks, streets, and public spaces of downtown Kansas City transformed into portals of imagination — places where sound, movement, and color invited us to rediscover awe in the everyday.

 Visual Artists & Installations

Our visual artists turned KC Streetcar shelters, walls, and city corners into gateways of creativity:

• Adrianne Clayton — Reflection (Library Southbound shelter, 9th & Main) invited us to look both inward and outward, discovering meaning in the act of seeing.
• David Morris — Music Is Community (16th & Main, Kauffman Center shelter) celebrated rhythm as a universal language of connection.
• Edwing Mendez — Woven for the Cosmos (ARTwall at 13th & Grand) stretched the imagination between the earthly and the infinite.
• MacKenzie Fulmer — Newcomer (Metro Center, 12th & Main) captured the beauty of arrival, belonging, and transformation.
• Max Dlabick — Interplanetary Joyride (KC Streetcar vehicle wrap) took us on a joyful ride through color, motion, and discovery.
• Miranda Clark — Jewel (19th & Main, Crossroads shelter) illuminated the city with a celebration of beauty and resilience.
• Miranda Pietzsch — Under Our Feet (Palace Building near Oppenstein Park, 12th & Walnut) reminded us to look down as much as up — to find wonder in what grounds us.
• Taylor Fourt — Kansas City Grows Up (River Market West, 4th & Delaware) merged public art and urban agriculture in a mural rooted in community and growth.

Each of these artists brought imagination to public space, transforming transit stops and city corners into experiences of reflection, curiosity, and joy.

 Performing Artists

Our performers filled the city with rhythm, voice, and movement — embodying Wonder through sound, story, and presence:

• Kathak Aura / Garima Yadav opened the season with the elegance of classical Indian dance, bridging tradition and modern expression.
• Monarch Duo brought sonic texture and emotion to our kickoff, their music creating dialogue between genres and people alike.
• Olivia Michka captured the moment live on canvas, painting to the energy of performance and community.
• Tres Collective and Danielle Ate the Sandwich transformed the KC Streetcar into a moving stage, turning a daily commute into a journey through sound and story.
• Myself Embodied, True Lions, and Jass filled City Market on 816 Day with rhythm, voice, and celebration — a perfect reflection of Kansas City’s creative pulse.
• The Swallowtails, Unique Sixteen, and EleveN2wenty2 brought dance and movement to Oppenstein Park, blurring the line between audience and performance.
• David Luther and Firetale Theatre closed the season with theatrical wonder — stories that carried us into imagination and reflection.

Each performance was a reminder that art is alive in every sound, step, and shared glance.

With Deep Gratitude

A heartfelt thank-you to those whose vision and dedication made this season possible:

• Ann Holliday, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Downtown Council and Executive Director of Art in the Loop, whose leadership and vision continue to guide and nurture this program.
• James Carter, Video Artist and storyteller, who captured the season through powerful imagery and film.
• Jade Osborne (Performing Arts Director) and Khyneesha Edwards (Visual Arts Director), whose curatorial guidance shaped the creative pulse of this year’s program.
• Donna Mandelbaum and the KC Streetcar Authority for their ongoing partnership and belief in bringing art into motion.
• Our incredible interns, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners — including the Downtown Council, Kansas City Streetcar Authority, City Market, Kansas City Public Library, and Kansas City Art Institute — whose collaboration made every event and installation possible.

 In Closing

This year, Wonder became more than an idea — it became a collective experience.
It was felt in the music that filled the air, the brushstrokes that brightened commutes, and the laughter and curiosity shared by families, friends, and strangers alike.

We are endlessly grateful to the artists who shared their gifts and to the Kansas City community who showed up — again and again — to celebrate the beauty of art in public space.

As the season ends, one truth remains:
Wonder isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we create, together, every time art meets community.

Thank you, Kansas City. See you next season.

The Swallowtails Bring Sweet Summer Vibes to Oppenstein Park.

This last September, downtown Kansas City came alive with two unforgettable events: Last Summer in the City and the Oppenstein Park performances for Art in the Loop. Each offered its own unique energy, but together they showcased what makes Kansas City such a vibrant place to live, visit, and belong.

From start to finish, Oppenstein Park was alive with energy, music, poetry, food, and a true sense of community. Families, friends, and strangers alike gathered together, filling the space with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt conversations.

The day began with the incredible Amado Espinoza, whose performance carried us on a journey through the Americas. Starting with the sounds of South America, his music stirred something powerful in the crowd. For some, it sparked memories and emotions tied to their own roots; for others, it created a connection to cultures beyond their own. In every note, there was a reminder of the universal longing to belong, and the comfort that comes when music speaks to that feeling deep inside us.

Downtown Beats with Eleven2wnty2

As the afternoon unfolded, the stage came alive with unforgettable performances. Eleven2wnty2 and The Swallowtails filled the park with rhythm and melody, music that seemed to ripple through the audience, inviting people of all ages to move together. Nearby, children spun in circles, parents swayed, and friends clapped along, the sounds bouncing off the buildings and carrying joy throughout downtown.  

Then came Unique Sixteen, whose spoken poetry added a layer of reflection to the celebration. Their words resonated in a way that made the crowd pause and really listen, drawing us together in shared empathy. In their reflections, we were reminded that Kansas City is more than just a collection of neighborhoods — it’s a place where we find laughter, love, and unconditional support. Whether queer, POC, or simply a tourist passing through, Kansas City has a way of offering comfort, of making you feel at home even in the middle of a bustling city.

The celebration didn’t stop at the stage. The park was filled with the creativity of local vendors, including Anita Easterwood, Tokeya Waci U Richardson, Mariah Markt, Emily Alvarez, and Yum Yum Ceramics. Their presence added texture to the day, with handmade art and craft that reminded us of the talent and dedication thriving within our community.

Spoken Word, Shared Heart: Unique Sixteen Captivates Downtown KC.

And of course, no event is complete without food. Doggy Style HotDog and Smoke N Seoul kept everyone fueled, serving up flavors that people are still talking about. From peanut butter and jelly on a hot dog — playful and surprising — to the rich comfort of kimchi mac and cheese, the vendors gave us more than just food; they gave us an experience. Each bite added to the joy of the day, leaving the crowd satisfied and smiling.

By the end, it wasn’t just an event — it was a memory. Last Summer in the City reminded us what it means to gather, to celebrate our differences and our similarities, and to find joy in the simple act of being together.

We can’t wait to see you next year for another season of art, music, and community!

Photo by Lilly Gerend/Art in the Loop Foundation

At a time when the daily grind can often feel overwhelming, Max Dlabick’s colorful and playful artwork offers a refreshing reminder to slow down and reconnect with joy. As a comic artist and illustrator based in Kansas City, Max’s Interplanetary Joy Ride project brings bright whimsy to the city’s streetcar line, inviting everyone — especially kids — to smile, dream, and feel the delight of simple pleasures.

A Creative Journey Rooted in Joy and Play

Max describes themselves primarily as a comic artist who loves making fun art without taking things too seriously. Their goal? To help people escape the constant push for productivity and find space to enjoy life’s lighter moments. “I want people to slow down, find things they really enjoy, and ease off that pressure,” Max explains. Whether it’s roller skating just for fun or doodling in his sketchbook, Max believes hobbies without an agenda are vital for mental health.

Their approach to art balances whimsy with meaningful intention. “I don’t want to make light of serious issues, but I want people to feel joy and not be stressed when they see my work,” Max says. This delicate balance is at the heart of Interplanetary Joy Ride — a project inspired by childhood imagery like coloring books and the bright, vibrant style of Lisa Frank, combined with the expressive line work found in comics.

Little Creatures with Big Personality

One of the most charming aspects of Max’s work is their quirky cast of characters — weird little animal-people hybrids that bring a playful energy to their art. These figures originated as stress relief during demanding art school days, when Max used a sketchbook as a place for fun and freedom. Inspired by the bold graphic style of Keith Haring, Max’s creatures are cute, expressive, and full of personality.

Among the favorites is a simple little cat that Max doodles often — a kind of comfort character that pops up when they’re testing pens or looking for a starting point. “It’s not really me,” Max laughs, “but it’s my go-to when I don’t know what else to draw.”

Influences and the KC Creative Community

Max’s love for comics began early, influenced by their dad’s passion for newspaper strips like Foxtrot and Garfield. “I was amazed that artists could draw the same character over and over,” Max recalls. Max’s time at KCAI pushed them further, surrounded by classmates who challenged them to improve — sometimes harshly, but always with growth in mind.

Though Max describes themselves as shy, collaborative projects helped them come out of their shell and connect with other artists. “Everyone just wants to talk about their art,” Max says with a smile, emphasizing the importance of community and shared creativity.

Finding Joy Off the Page

Outside of art, Max’s favorite no-pressure hobby is roller skating — a physical, whole-body activity very different from drawing or painting. “I’m not athletic, so falling down is expected and it’s okay,” Max explains. This freedom from expectation and perfectionism perfectly complements their creative mindset.

If Max’s characters could take a real interplanetary joy ride, they imagine they’d visit Pluto — “to give it some love now that it’s not officially a planet anymore.”

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists

Max offers honest advice to new artists facing uncertainty and self-doubt. “You have to just do it, even if you think your art is terrible. Finish it, learn from it, and move on. Don’t get stuck obsessing over the little things — just keep creating.” Max’s encouragement is a reminder that growth comes through persistence and practice, not perfection.

Engage with Art, Engage with Joy

Before wrapping up, Max invited everyone to engage with art in any way possible — whether taking a class at Kansas City’s Cherry Pit Collective or simply visiting a museum like the Nelson-Atkins. “Art enriches your mind and your life,” Max says, and their joyful, colorful work certainly brings that enrichment to Kansas City’s streets.

We’re so grateful to Max Dlabick for sharing their story and inspiring us all to find our own interplanetary joy rides. Keep an eye out for their playful creatures next time you ride the KC streetcar — and don’t forget to smile!

Bio:

Max Dlabick crawled out of the Mississippi River mud in the summer of 1994 and has been drawing funny little animals ever since. After graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute with a BFA in Illustration in 2016, Max began focusing on digital and ink-based comic work. Max’s artwork utilizes expressive line and color to explore the relationship between humor and emotional resonance in everyday life. Past projects include the 2024 Parade of Hearts, Stick ’n Poke Vol 1, André and Karl Vol 1, and a piece in The Nib’s Ignatz award-winning Be Gay Do Comics.

Instagram: @mdablick

Website: https://mdlabick.com/

An interactive food forest mural — “We’re all from the soil—aren’t we, after all?”

That’s the question that blooms at the root of Kansas City Grows Up, Taylor Fourt’s colorful, immersive mural transforming a KC streetcar shelter into a living story. The piece invites the public into a playful food forest where vegetables rise up to form a canopy and bugs, roots, and microorganisms nest beneath the soil. There is even room for you—peekaboo corners, photo ops, and reflections of yourself in glass panels wrapped in greens and little creatures. 

For Taylor, who’s spent the last decade gardening with Manheim Gardens and teaching regenerative agriculture, the mural blends two lifelong loves: art and growing food. “Gardening is such a reflective activity,” she says. “There is something about putting your hands in the dirt—it’s meditative. It makes you think about where we come from.” 

Before painting, Taylor invited the public to help co-create the piece by voting on their favorite crops and creatures. Some unexpected winners? Broccoli (“I don’t even like broccoli, but I’m rethinking now”) and cilantro (“Even with the soap-haters!). The result is a mural rooted in community, layered in meaning, and bursting with joy—literally. “You don’t usually get to see into the soil. But that’s what illustrations let me do—bend reality.”

Photo by @glendsnaps on IG

Glass panels challenged Taylor to rethink her usual gouache style: “You paint backwards, like starting with the details. Then cover it with the soil. It’s terrifying but magical too.” Hidden throughout are QR codes linking to plain-language farming guides, turning the space into both a visual and educational garden.

Taylor’s passion for food systems and art goes beyond aesthetics. “I used to be a garden teacher,” she says, “and kids are so opinionated about food in the best way. They name everything. If you turn it into a game, they’re invested. And that’s what I want—to make learning about food feel fun and familiar.” Her work with Manheim Gardens has shaped her artistic path. “I did a lot of free murals early on–like the greenhouse one in 2020. It was the pandemic, I had the time, and that project gave me a portfolio that led to this one. I always tell young artists: don’t be afraid to do work that feeds your passions. Even if it’s unpaid, it can open big doors.”

Ask Taylor what edible plant deserves more love and she’ll tell you: okra. “It’s ancient, resilient, and beautiful. The flowers look tropical, and the pods—even the overgrown ones—can be made into tea. People either love the sliminess or hate it. I love it.”

Through every detail—sparkles in the dirt, a hidden monarch butterfly, roots that feel like family trees—Taylor hopes people stop, smile, and maybe even feel inspired to try a new vegetable or two. “It’s not just about what we eat. It’s about seeing ourselves as part of something living, growing, and shared.”

Bio:
Taylor Fourt is a green-thumbed artist whose gouache works exude charm, whimsy, and spirit. Whether illustrating intricate regenerative agriculture systems or meditating on the beauty of colors and forms, Taylor’s art reflects her deep connection to nature. With almost a decade of experience sharing her expertise with Manheim Gardens, a collaborative urban community garden in Kansas City, Taylor now applies her skills as a content development specialist at ISED Solutions, creating visual guides on organic farming techniques.

Instagram: t.fourt

Website: https://taylorfourt.com/

A visual jazz: Music is Community by David Morris, blending abstraction with cultural harmony.

In Music is Community, artist David Morris creates a vibrant digital symphony— an abstract collage alive with rhythm, color and connection. Two figures anchor the composition, surrounded by musical notes, instruments and swirling shapes. They don’t represent individuals so much as entire communities—distinct but united by the invisible thread of sound, creativity and culture. 

A retired commercial photographer whose work once filled Times Square billboards and national ad campaigns, Morris has since transitioned into the world of abstract digital art. His latest work reflects not only his technical mastery but a deep emotional undercurrent shaped by an extensive experience in storytelling,  civic engagement, and jazz. 

Seated in conversation and color: Adrianne Clayton and another guest with Music is Community as their backdrop.

The roots of Music is Community reach into Morris’ years as Chairman of the Crossroads Art District in Kansas City. For years he hoped to bridge the physical and cultural gap between the Crossroads and the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. This piece, he says, is a culmination of that vision—a visual expression of the unifying power of music.

Drawing from his background in digital photography and image retouching, Morris crafts each piece with painterly precision. His process is intuitive, often sparked by the music he listens to while working. “It’s like dancing,” he says. “The music moves through me and guides my hand.” Colors and textures emerge from tones—warm harmonies translate into glowing hues, staccato rhythms into energetic strokes.

Although his compositions may feel dreamlike, Morris describes them more as visions—conceptual emotional maps of how sound takes form. He doesn’t aim to control what the viewers feel, but rather invites them to interpret each piece through their own lens. Like jazz itself, the art is improvised, fluid, and open to discovery.

Morris sees beauty as the common thread in all his creative pursuits—from photography to gardening to public service. Whatever capturing a flower in bloom or a designing landscape of sound, his goal is the same: to share something  beautiful and human. As he puts it, “I retired from photography,  but my creativity didn’t retire.” 

Now represented by Cerbera Gallery and preparing for a solo exhibition at HGA Gallery in Brookside this fall, Morris continues to explore new territory—recently experimenting with animation layered over his digital collages. It’s all part of the journey, he says. “If you don’t explore what’s around the corner, you’ll never find your own limit.”

With Music is Community, Morris offers more than a visual experience. He offers a reminder: that behind every note, every stroke, and pixel there is a chance to connect. That we have far more in common than we often think. And that art —like music— is most powerful when it brings us together.

David Morris, artist and storyteller, channeling the spirit of jazz into digital form.

BIO: Kansas City-based David D. Morris is a retired award-winning commercial and fine art photographer who has transitioned to abstract digital art. For decades, his advertising photography graced global campaigns for major clients like AMC Theaters and Hershey, appearing in publications such as the Kansas City Star and Martha Stewart magazine, even on Times Square billboards.

A graduate of Johnson County Community College’s fine art photography program, David and his wife previously owned Studio 2131. Beyond his artistic pursuits, David is deeply engaged in his community. He’s a former Shawnee City Councilman, Chairman of the Crossroads Arts District, and co-founder of Rebuilding Together Shawnee, earning accolades like the Urban Hero and Shawnee Citizen of the Year awards.

Currently, David’s abstract digital art, inspired by his love for jazz, is represented by the Cerbera Gallery. His intricate process involves weeks of digital development to visually interpret his auditory experiences. He also enjoys gardening, having been featured on the Shawnee Garden Tour multiple times, and remains an avid jazz enthusiast.

Instagram: @dmdakc1

Website:  https://www.dmdakc.com

Under Our Feet, a rug, a city, and the power of imagination.

Step onto a rug and you might just step into a world. For Kansas City-based artist Miranda Pietzch, the iconic roadmap rug—those colorful childhood mats filled with winding streets and toy-town buildings—sparked a whole mural. Her piece, Under Our Feet, wraps a wall at Oppenstein Park in a playful nostalgia, reminding viewers of a time when the city planning was a game and wonder was everywhere. 

“I wanted to prompt the viewer to remember playing imagination games with roadmap rugs and feeling the power of community under their fingertips,” Miranda says. “I hope that shared memories of childhood makes people smile and stop to explore the places they recognize—and the ones they haven’t been to yet.”

A visual artist, writer, and animal welfare advocate, Miranda’s work blends whimsy and environmental education. Her creative style–full of bright colors, glitters, and joyful detail—is rooted in early 2000’s toys, childhood games, and a deep love for the natural world. 

When the word “Wonder” was announced for the 2025 Art in the Loop Project, Miranda’s mind immediately went back to childhood. “I actually found a roadmap rug at a thrift store and HAD to bring it home,” she laughs. “Now it’s by the door, so I see it every time I leave. It makes the city feel small in a good way. Like anywhere is reachable.”

That idea—of a city easily explored—runs deep in her mural.  While Union Station and The Plaza make appearances, so do Miranda’s favorite lesser-known KC spots like Lakeside Nature Center and the Toy and Miniature Museum. And tucked into the design are deeply personal touches: her old Jeep Donovan, her late pets Jerry and Roxanne, her current cat Eleonor,and even the polar bear from the zoo. 

“It’s a map of the city, yes—but it’s also a love letter to my version of Kansas City,” she says. “Places that maybe aren’t ‘icons’ to everyone, but they are to me.”

Miranda sharing details about her process with the public.

The mural is filled with easter eggs—fromt the mascot KC Wolf ot the logo of the Screenland Theater playing soccer. There is only one car in the whole mural: hers. That choice was intentional. Under our Feet is a piece that wants you to slow down and notice.

“This is not a billboard mural. I wanted people to get out of their cars and walk up to it,” Miranda explains. “So much of our city is built for cars, but not for people on foot. That’s why I love the streetcar—it’s helping make the city more accessible.”

As a muralist, Miranda also confronted personal challenges. This was her first mural ever—and the process was tougher than expected. Equipment failures, delays, and anxieties made it a daunting debut. But conversations with people walking by, especially those in the local unhoused community, kept her going.

“They were some of the most encouraging people I met. Every day someone would stop and ask what I was painting that day. That meant the world.”

Miranda also brings her background in environmental education to her art. Whether she’s working on shelter pet portraits with kids or raising caterpillars at home, she sees art as a vehicle for awareness. “People want to do good things—they just don’t always know how,” she says. “If I can make those ideas easier to understand and connect them to joy or curiosity, then I’ve done my job.”

Asked what her younger self would think of the mural, Miranda grins.

“She’d love it. She’d definitely ask why there’s not more blue in it—but she’d love it.”

As a queer artist who wasn’t always encouraged to pursue creativity growing up, Miranda offers this to young, emerging artists:

“Make art. Especially if you’re queer. This is the time. Your perspective matters. Your voice matters. And we need handmade things now more than ever.”

In the end, Under Our Feet is playful, personal, and quietly political. It invites us to notice our city, treasure our communities, and rediscover what’s right beneath our feet.

Miranda Pietzsch, artist of wonder and whimsy. She’s proof that imagination can paint a whole city.

BIO:

Miranda is a visual artist, writer, and animal welfare advocate based in Kansas City, Missouri. Her work varies widely in medium but is unified with bright colors and a sense of youthful whimsy. Miranda is passionate about blending art and the environment to help educate about the world all around us.

Want to explore Miranda’s KC?

Visit Under Our Feet at Oppenstein Park or follow Miranda’s work at @mirpeachy (Instagram)