KC Current taps Johnson County artist for new Pride Month designs
As a proud and outspoken member of the queer community, Olathe artist Olivia Barbosa was honored when KC Current graphic designer Kyra Gross commissioned her to design the Current’s pride month merchandise.
The Current, who has been selecting new artists for their Local Artist Series, are bringing communities together to celebrate LGBT+ pride during the month of June.
“To be a part of something like this was really exciting and really important to me,” Barbosa said. “Within my art, I really focus on spreading love and finding connection. Both of those are just very important aspects to why I keep creating. So being able to connect with so many people on this level is huge.”
Pride Night merchandise will launch Saturday before the 6:30 p.m. game between the Currents and Racing Louisville.
“I wanted to show the fun and entertaining aspect of women’s soccer, but also showcase the power and the fierceness within the LGBT+ community,” said Barbosa.
Pride Night at the KC Current
Along with the new apparel, the Current will also host a paint-by-number activity before the game, created and led by Barbosa.
“I think getting the community to participate in the activity was something very big for me, just because I am always running with the philosophy that anybody can create and anybody can make art,” Barbosa told the Star.
With a massive banner for all guests to showcase their art on, a community participation event was always in mind for the celebration of Pride Month.
“Art starts conversations. Art is pretty much one of the oldest forms of human communication that we have, it’s very much a way to connect people. Art is also political. It starts many conversations, but it also allows us to express ourselves in ways that we may may not always be able to like with words.”
Barbosa’s artwork can be found on her Instagram page, @olivesartworks, or with her collaborative art studio in Pendleton Heights, Studio Cheeks.
How to participate
To get tickets for the KC Current game and participate in the community art activity, visit kansascitycurrent.com.
