Olivia Michka

Kick-Off Event, Kansas City Public Library – Central Library, June 5th, 5:30 PM 

Bio: Making Music is an ongoing project aimed at making fine art more accessible to the general public, while creating works of art that capture a moment in time through synergy between artists of multiple disciplines. I show up to a location with an easel, my oil paints, and a blank canvas, and by the end of a musician’s performance am left with a finished piece that was inspired and motivated by the energy of the music. I paint what I see in front of me, the musicians and their instruments, and sometimes their surroundings, all while keeping the paint loose and lively.

Although I am creating a piece of visual art, I consider this work to be performance art. The audience gets to see the work unfold before their eyes, giving them an inside look at the creative process. And I enjoy engaging with the people around me, answering questions about the work, and dancing along to the music.

Not only do I see this work as educating and impacting an audience that might not understand how fine art is made, but as an artist this work is where I feel the most alive. I feel so inspired by musicians – their vulnerability, authenticity, and power in performing – and feed off of that to make art that captures more than what a camera could ever do. Ultimately, each painting is unique to the musician and the environment in which it was created, and made with so much joy.

In connection to the theme: As an art educator to K-5 students, I know how impactful it can be for young people (and all people), to expand their idea of what is possible. Making Music, “live concert painting,” is a unique concept that I had never seen before. It was born out of my equal love for music and art, and a desire to find something that would fulfill all parts of myself. I love witnessing an audience wonder what I am doing behind an easel at a concert venue. And after discovering my work, wonder what else might be possible, with art, or with whatever they love in this world. 

Not only have I been told by audiences that they have never seen something of this sort at a concert before, but I have also been told the same by musicians. Even Grammy-award-winning bands that have toured for decades have told me that the work I do is surprising and exciting to them. They are curious to understand why a painter is side-stage, and then excited to see what I will produce next to them. Most musicians lean into how we can work together as artists of different disciplines, changing the dynamic of a show to be even more engaging and unique for the viewer. It excites me to do this in a way that is more directly involved with my local community. I was born and raised in KCMO, and this town shaped the wonder that led me to create Making Music.

Socials: 

Instagram – @oliviamichka

Website – oliviamichka.com