Kansas City Grows Up is an interactive food forest mural. Colorful vegetables and fruits sprout from underground to create a canopy of delicious crops, where viewers can enjoy details of life in every corner. The soil harbors a nest of roots, microorganisms, bugs, and naturally, food itself. In the weeks leading up to painting, passersby can vote on their favorite foods and creatures they would like to see in the work. Anything from potatoes, radishes, and carrots or more surprising crops like peanuts, ginger, and asparagus! The possibilities are endless–and truly up to the city! Also hidden in the mural are QR codes that link to plain language farming guides, which encourage pedestrians to learn something new about the food they eat. The shelter will be lush, bursting with life, as if to wrap waiting passengers in a blanket of green, but there will also be a delightful amount of space for people to see themselves in amongst the edible jungle. These considerations allow for plenty of fun interaction with the piece, from games of peekaboo to photos for social media. The goal is to create not only a unique experience to see the art up close and learn new things about food, but to also see oneself in the art, as if they too are born from the soil.
Aren’t we, after all? 

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/