BIO

Lydia Knopp is a creative problem solver with 8+ years experience in design, community art and audio/visual production. She is passionate about using empathy and creative mediums to serve her Midwest community, especially through public art. Lydia worked with the Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia, PA and inspired by positive community place-making, vowed to bring this knowledge back to her hometown of Kansas City Kansas. She has had the pleasure of working with community members to create visual stories like the 42nd Street Mural project (2018), Wyandotte High School Mural (2019), KCKCC Centennial Digital Mural project (2021), and curating the KCMO Health Department's COVID + Mental Health Awareness mural (2022).

Lydia currently helps empower design-thinking and innovation for blind and visually impaired students throughout the state as Makerspace & Mobile STEM Coordinator at Kansas State School for the Blind. Lydia works with students on creative enterprises using modern technology including 3D printers, laser cutters, sublimation machines and more. Solutions created with KSSB students always begin with the question: "is it accessible?" and evolves from there through collaboration and innovation. Lydia also serves as Board President of City in Motion Dance Theater, Inc. and a KCK Forward Young Professional.