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Interactive Community Art
The Storytellers Inc. works with neighborhood members of all ages to determine creative solutions for the social and economic welfare of the community. Our artists have been commissioned by city governments, community networks, colleges, and individuals in efforts to revitalize community collaboration and stimulate economic growth.
If you have questions about this service or wish to commission the Storytellers Inc. to facilitate programs in your community, please email us or call Michael Toombs at
(816) 678-8694.
Concept Drawing for North East Community Mural to be painted on City Union Mission Thrift Store by the end of Spring 08. Created through the input of 70 community residents.
18th and Vine- The Jazz District Murals
"Let the Mural tell the Story, and the Music Set the Tone"
The mural was designed by a Paseo High School Student, Vanessa Ayala, and painted by over 70 students from Paseo School and the Family Court. Dedicated July 31, 2004 on the Southwest corner of 18th and Highland. Sponsored by: The Jazz District Renaissance Corporation (JDRC), FOCUS Kansas City, High School Youth Program, and KC Futures 150.
"Miracle on 39th St - Prospect for Change"
Summer 2002
"If we don't step in and do something about this, the world will turn over to the dark side," said local businessman James Johnson about 39th and Prospect. Someone has stepped in. And the "Prospect for Change: A Miracle on 39th Street" has begun.
Brainchild of activist Ron McMillan, and creatively managed by The Storytellers, Inc.'s founder and artistic director, Michael Toombs, the Prospect corner known for its crime and drug activity has been transformed using art in a new way. On Monday, July 22, 2002, a group of Jackson County Family Court adjudicated youth and artist apprentices, under the direction of Mr. Toombs, The Storytellers Inc - Artists Collective, and Glenda Bainbridge, Jackson County Family Court, began the revitalization process by cleaning up the four corners of 39th and Prospect in preparation for its transformation. "It will change [this corner] from ugliness to beauty…providing a beauty that will transform from within" said McMillan of the project. Dubbed "Prospect for Change" by Toombs, each corner represents meaningful aspects of the past, present and future directions of this neighborhood.
This project has been made possible by a collaborative partnership between McMillan, The Storytellers, Inc.-Artist Collective, Jackson County Family Courts, Pan-Educational Institute, and the Health Careers Pathways Program K-12, KU Medical Center. Major funding is provided by Jackson County Prosecutor's Office - COMBAT and the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood and Community Service Department. The "Miracle on 39th Street" is a project of "Sentenced to the Arts, KC Futures 150," where young people are encouraged to use their creativity in a meaningful and positive manner. "KC Futures 150" is part of the evolution of the youth development movement using art. The "Miracle on 39th Street" is the foundation on which Phase III of KC Futures 150, "Arts in the Neighborhood" is to be developed.
"Mural of Light" - Fall 2002
Every year since 1985, the city of Kansas City had exceeded 100 homicides. Since 1968, Kansas City, Missouri experienced only five years of less than 100 homicides. An intensive city wide campaign to raise awareness, increase citizen vigilance, inspire community activism, and support collaborative efforts among agencies has ignited a new light in the Kansas City, Metro Area.
MoveUP commissioned The Storytellers Inc., Artist Collective to create a forum for community collaboration through the installation of the MoveUP, Mural of Light project. This project involved creating a mural, sculptures and a series of public celebrations served to integrate the efforts of the community to save lives.
On December 31, 2002 community members met to celebrate the first year since 1985 that KC Metro Area had not exceeded 100 homicides.
This project has been made possible by a collaborative partnership between Move UP, The Storytellers, Inc.-Artist Collective, Jackson County Family Courts, Pan-Educational Institute, and the Health Careers Pathways Program K-12, KU Medical Center. Major funding was provided by Move UP, Jackson County Prosecutor's Office - COMBAT and the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood and Community Service Department.
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