Westside banners
PUBLIC ART · ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN · ILLUSTRATION
In collaboration with the Westside Neighborhood Association, I conducted polls and surveys with neighbors to authentically capture Kansas City's Westside neighborhood and its rich Mexican American legacy.
Seven illustrated blocks weave together meaningful symbols from lowriders to Day of the Dead imagery, creating visual storytelling that deeply resonates with neighbors.
✴ AIGA A20 AWARD RECIPIENT ✴
The Westside has a rich Mexican American history that is shaped by families who have lived here for over a century. The division created by I-35 and continuing gentrification has left the community feeling overlooked and unheard for decades. I saw this as an opportunity for the neighborhood to reclaim its streets, in a way.
To go beyond my lived experience, I worked in tandem with the City of Kansas City and Westside Neighborhood Association to gather input through polls and surveys to determine what concepts would make the cut.
Known hallmarks of the neighborhood, like the Guadalupe Center, Day of the Dead parade, el Pequeño Miramide, Sacred Heart, and lowriders, as well as the neighborhood's welcoming nature, became central to the illustrated banners now lining Southwest Boulevard and the Westside.
This is one of two banners designed for KC neighborhoods so far. The other was designed by Frank Norton for the West Bottoms.