SpraySeeMo returns to Crossroads, painting a shared space for graffiti artists, businesses (Photos)
September 14, 2019 | Austin Barnes and Tommy Felts
An annual transformation of the Crossroads Arts District, SpraySeeMO paints more than graffiti-like murals, explained Lexi Walz. It creates energetic and collaborative opportunities for area businesses and talented artists.
“Essentially, we’re a group of architects and designers all consumed with creating experiences and emotions through design,” said Walz, marketing and content manager at Generator Studio — an architecture firm specializes in sports venues, lifestyle, workplace, non-profit & residential projects
“SpraySeeMO is just the perfect recipe for not only us, but the community itself,” she added, explaining the fit between the business and the week-long mural festival, which features more than 30 artists across nearly 40 locations.
Click here to learn more about SpraySeeMo.
Madman of MDMN, SpraySeeMo 2019
Visiting from Phoenix, Arizona, for the invite-only SpraySeeMO event week, artist Madman of MDMN is transforming a wall at 1615 Baltimore, the soon-to-be permanent home of Generator Studios, Walz said.
Click here to learn more about Madman and the MDMN brand.
“We kind of like to think of our new building as the entrance into the Crossroads [from downtown]. So this just seemed like a perfect experience to collaborate with Madman and let him tell his story in a really cool way on our wall,” she said.
Dabbling in multiple mediums and surfaces, Madman views his art career as a lifestyle, his website described. Such a viewpoint aligned perfectly with the mission behind Generator Studio, which includes “generating dreams,” Walz noted.
“Madman’s designs focus on larger-than-life ideas while incorporating empowerment and positivity. That creative mentality bolsters the bright future the Crossroads community. Generator Studio is pumped to be a part of it,” she said.
SpraySeeMo 2019
Buy-in on behalf of building owners is crucial for the success of mural festival, said Joel Mackey, director of digital marketing for CBD American Shaman, which partnered with SpraySeeMo to organize the event. Because artists are allowed to have creative freedom with each installation, those property owners agreeing to provide a real-world canvas must agree to honor the style and topic chosen by the muralists, he added.
“We need brave building owners for this — people who are willing to take a risk with us,” Mackey said, noting the process for carefully vetting both artists and approved locations.
With the Crossroads at the center of conversations surrounding safety in light of the death of 25-year-old Erin Langhofer, who was shot and killed Aug. 2 during First Fridays, and changes to the structure of the monthly event, SpraySeeMO stands to generate much-needed light for those who call the Crossroads home, Walz added.
“I think there’s definitely a time of need right now to come together as a community,” she said. “As an office, we have a passion to grow and propel Kansas City and participating in a mural festival only promotes creative expression but also exploration of the city.”
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