How did you first get involved with LVA?
I joined LVA about five years ago when I was teaching elementary art and searching for ways to get involved in the art community in Louisville. Becoming a member of LVA was a first great step for me as a young artist, new to the city.
Liz Richter works with elementary school students at the Hikes Point Mural through Center for Neighborhoods' PAINT program.
When did you first know that art was going to be a big part of your life?
Art has always been a big part of my life, but probably in middle school or high school I began realizing that my love for art and natural inclination for it was special and would be something I would want to do in some capacity for the rest of my life. I started college as an advertising major before discovering my love for teaching and switching to art education. As a former homeschool student, I have always been primarily self taught.
What does LVA add to your life?
LVA is a support system, a community of innovators, a resource for opportunities, host for great parties and exhibitions, and a way to give back and lend support to young people in the city that are talented and passionate about visual art. I am so grateful for the support LVA has lent on my current mural project.
Liz Richter with LVA interns Michelle Montgomery and Zara Goldberg.
How are you involved in the community?
I like to engage the public in my work and introduce them to art in different contexts. Whether it's a wearable art piece for a fashion show, a mural, or a live painting for a festival, sharing beauty and inspiring others in the joy of making is all I want in life. Because of what art meant to me as a child, I am also a passionate advocate for arts education and like to do projects that uniquely engage young people and draw attention to them and what can be accomplished with mentorship and nurturing talent.
Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
Right now, because I have a new baby and am pretty much always in paint-covered overalls working on a mural in Hikes Point, a perfect Sunday afternoon would be taking a long shower, donning a cute dress and spending a few hours sketching and reflecting in beautiful solitude at the new Speed museum, then meeting up with my little family for a sunset walk on Frankfort Avenue (with maybe some coffee or ice cream).
Liz Richter works with elementary school students at the Hikes Point Mural through Center for Neighborhoods' PAINT program.
Who is your favorite local artist?
I could never pick just one! Folk artist Marvin Finn has a place in my heart from teaching about his work to children in the local schools. Other inspirations include Kathleen Lolley, Bryan Patrick Todd, John Whitesell, Julio Cesar and my beautiful and talented friend Bri Bowers! All of my fellow artists who show work at Revelry Boutique and Gallery motivate me to elevate my work as well.
Where would you like to see Louisville 10 years from now?
I’d like to see the art scene growing to new heights. I believe it starts with enriching arts opportunities to school age children and encouraging the next generation of artists by bringing back art classes in every school! I’d like to see more galleries and boutiques with local artwork, thriving; and the quality of work continuing to be elevated; where we are capturing the attention of the world. I’d love to see more murals/street art and a developed program to utilize young and emerging artists in public art projects. We need more opportunities for artists to engage the public and show their abilities. We also need more art patrons; individuals who will purchase works of art and support young talent. I am excited about what is happening in the Louisville art scene right now and look forward to seeing the development in the next ten years.
Liz Richter (center) with LVA interns Michelle Montgomery (left) and Zara Goldberg (right)
What neighborhood do you live in? What are some of your favorite things about it?
I live in the Clifton neighborhood. It’s the perfect location for a young family because we can walk everywhere; including some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in town. I love that we are just minutes away from Nulu, downtown and the Highlands yet still get to feel like we are tucked away from the city traffic. I am constantly discovering other creatives or artistic ventures popping up in my neighborhood.
What advice would you give your past self if you could?
I grew up in a rural community without any resources or opportunities in the arts, so I would tell myself to dream bigger and to not be afraid to go 100% for what I really wanted to do from the start. I would also tell myself to take a great big chill pill.
