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Having My Way With Art
Artwork by L. Louise Richard
Ms. Lolita “L. Louise” Richard was born November 28, 1962 in Kansas City Mo, where she lived until the age of ten. She later relocated to Kansas City, Kansas and Clarksville, respectively, as a teenager. Ms. Lolita or Ms. Richard, which she is known by throughout the Kansas City community, lost her parents at an early age and was adopted by her Aunt and Uncles, Michael and Edna Newman in Wyandotte County, and later by Paul and Agnes Newman with whom she moved to Tennessee and completed her High School Education. She graduated from Northwest High School and later attended Austin Peay State University on a partial Art Scholarship.
Ms. Richard has four siblings and several cousins that were a part of her life during her growing years and her artistic development. Ms. Richard has always had an interest in art, even at an early age. She remembers not being able to sit still unless she had a pen or pencil in her hand to doodle, draw or write. Her love for art grew into respect and a desire that made her strive to learn and experience all aspects of artistic creation and mediums.
In her own words Ms Richard states, "I loved to look at clouds even when I was young and wonder how they always seemed to be so fluffy, and big. I tried to figure out how they could be so beautiful, with the colors in blues light and dark, purple and gray and black. I told myself that if I could create something as powerful as a cloud, I could always make people happy or smile when they saw my pictures. For me art has been an intricate part of my life, it’s my therapy and my escape so I can clear my mind. It has fueled my creative juices and allowed my freedom of expression. I want my art to reach people in all places and from all walks of life. I want my art to reach and inspire children. One day I would love to own my own art studio and teach everybody how to express him or herself through art.
Although I truly believe that all of my talent and my gifts for artistry and design come from God, there are so many people who have believed in me, encouraged me and inspired me on every level, each and every day. I would like to take this time and thank them and let them know how much they mean to me. Bessie Bell, Joy Amon, Willetta Davis and Marlene Lang, Rebbecca Peterson ,Janae Swaggart, Maryann Brandon, Brenda Dewitt, Marquita Summers my friends for life. My husband, Derrick Wilson, who has heard all of those sighs that said I need to start all over, because of the perfectionist in me. Leea, Lee (Trey) Bubba 2, Krystle, Eric and Anthony the joys of my life (nieces and nephews) and my sisters and brothers and cousins, Pam, Tim, Larry, Joanna, and DeDe. I would like to send out a special thanks for the person who knows my pain and feels my desire to be bot published and an illustrator of children's books my college professor, Mrs. Ruth Dreher, thank you for your sincere belief in me as an individual and a artist. Ya' ll know how I do it I keep it real. I love and respect you all. Thank you."
For more information about this or any other exhibit at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, call Sarah Bohndorf at (913) 627-2692 or email sbohnd@kckpl.lib.ks.us.
