Ky Vassor

You’ve probably admired one of Ky Vassor’s murals without even knowing it—now she’s back to pull back the curtain on how those vibrant public artworks, pop-up workshops, and neighborhood installations all began with a passion for community and a sprinkle of hustle.In this episode, Baltimore’s interdisciplinary artist and Galerie Myrtis Assistant Director walks us through the unlikely lessons she learned bartending, volunteering, and designing street-team campaigns before deciding to earn an MFA in Community Arts—and how every step shaped her mission to make creativity part of daily life.From bartending and street‐team hustle to graduate studies: the unconventional path that led her to an MFA in Community ArtsCommunity‐first curation: activating public murals, mixed-media installations, and pop-up workshops in everyday spacesMentorship in action: building support networks for emerging artists through hands-on teaching and one-on-one studio visitsWearing multiple hats: balancing roles as artist, educator, and museum administrator for sustainable impactHonoring untold stories: creating works that uplift underrepresented voices and spark neighborhood prideWhat’s next: upcoming public art commissions and expanded educational programs designed to broaden Baltimore’s creative ecosystemCatch Ky Vassor’s first appearance on the podcast here: Whether you’re an artist, educator, or simply curious about the power of public art, this chat will leave you inspired to look at your own neighborhood in a whole new light. 📸 Photo: Phillip Muriel

Welcome to our latest episode of "The Truth in This Art" with your host, Rob Lee! Join us as we delve into the captivating world of media illustration with our talented guest, Ky Vasoor. Ky is an interdisciplinary Baltimore-based artist, currently focusing on mixed media projects with a heavy emphasis on illustration. The aim of their work is to bridge the often wide gap in accessibility to academic texts, Black history, and reflection on queer voices, stirring viewers to seek more information.In this episode, we delve into:Explore Ky's unique artistic approach, combining formal training and self-teaching to create captivating multimedia works.Discover how Ky's Haitian and African American heritage, along with their experiences in Baltimore, serve as profound sources of inspiration.Uncover the importance of cultural preservation and paying tribute to artistic predecessors as central themes in Ky's creative journey.Learn about Ky's favorite spots in Baltimore, including the vibrant Lexington Market and serene Druid Hill Park area.Understand the crucial role of a strong foundation and unwavering effort in the process of crafting exceptional art.Let's explore Ky's unique perspective and artistic journey in this inspiring conversation as she joins Rob Lee on this episode of Getting to the Truth in this Art. Ky describes their work as a mix of formal training and self-teaching, resulting in a multimedia approach that incorporates various mediums and techniques. They draw inspiration from their Haitian and African American heritage, as well as their experiences growing up in Baltimore. Ky emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and paying homage to the artists who came before them. They also discuss the unique identity of Baltimore as a city that is neither fully southern nor northern. Ky shares their favorite areas in the city, including Lexington Market and the Druid Hill Park area. They also mention artists who have influenced their work, such as Amy Sherald and Kassimir. Ky believes that a strong foundation and effort are key elements in creating good art. 🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧