Kansas City is a city bursting with creativity, from its thriving arts scene to its locally-owned businesses that bring so much character to our neighborhoods. We’re thrilled to kick off our brand-new interview series, where we spotlight the incredible talent shaping our community—and we couldn’t think of a better first feature than Leslie Beck.
Leslie is a Kansas City-based abstract artist and designer who recently opened her very own brick-and-mortar store in Waldo, KCMO. She is also a friend and client of the Locate Team. We had the pleasure of visiting her at her new store to chat about her journey as an artist, what inspired her to open her space, and her advice on incorporating art into your home. Read on to learn more about her creative process, what makes Kansas City such a special place for artists, and why Waldo was the perfect neighborhood to bring her vision to life.
What inspired the name of your store, and how does it reflect your artistic vision or personal journey?
Besides the fact that blue is my color? To me, the idea of a blue sky is hopeful. It fills me with a sense of boundlessness and potential, freedom and endless possibilities. A bright future, new beginnings, and positive outcomes. All great things to reflect on and hopefully my space creates that feeling for others when they visit the shop, buy a piece of my art or attend one of my workshops.
Can you share how your journey as an abstract artist began? What inspired you to pursue this creative path?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember, but when it came time to choose a career, being an “artist” didn’t seem like a practical option—or so I believed. Instead, I chose graphic design, a field I thought would allow me to be creative while also paying the bills. For the most part, it has. I’ve been a designer for nearly 30 years, including 18 years running my own freelance business.
I always imagined I’d eventually find time to take art classes and start a painting practice, but life got busy, and those dreams were put on hold. Then, when my dad passed away suddenly, everything changed. I had to pause my work, step back from client projects, and focus on settling his affairs. During that time, I turned to painting—it became an outlet for processing my grief and finding clarity. It was transformative, and I haven’t stopped painting since.
What drew you to open your brick-and-mortar store in Waldo, and how has the neighborhood influenced your vision for the space?
I had been dreaming of a studio space outside my home for years. Last July, during a brainstorming session with a friend about workshop ideas, our conversation turned to “what ifs,” “somedays,” and “why nots.” That meeting sparked something in me. On my way home, I found myself driving down Oak Street, where I spotted an “AVAILABLE” sign in a window. It felt like fate. I called the number immediately and was touring the space that very afternoon.
The same friend joined me to see it, and just a few weeks later, we were signing the lease to share the space. She is Bramble & Stem, and I am Blue Sky. It’s a reminder that the universe is always placing opportunities in your path—you just have to be open to recognizing them.
What can visitors expect when they walk into your store? Are there any standout pieces or unique features that you’re particularly excited about?
I hope that when you walk into Blue Sky Art & Home, you feel the optimism and tranquility of its name in a thoughtfully designed, open, and airy space. Visitors can expect a bright, uplifting atmosphere, a curated selection of art ranging from local to globally inspired designs, unique home décor items like artisan textiles, and interactive community events such as workshops or artist collaborations. It’s a retreat from the everyday—a sanctuary for discovering meaningful, high-quality items that leave you inspired.
I love that my studio, retail, and workshop space are all connected—it makes everything feel so personal and alive. When you visit, you’re not just seeing the finished pieces; you get a glimpse into the creative process and the heart that goes into every item. It’s a space where inspiration, craftsmanship, and community come together, and I hope that makes your experience feel more meaningful and special. It’s not just about shopping—it’s about connecting with the art and the stories behind it.
Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach starting a new piece or collection?
Music is a huge part of my creative process, as well as memories that deeply resonate with me. When I begin a new collection, I take time to journal and reflect, allowing my thoughts to wander and find a common thread or theme that seems to naturally emerge. It's a bit like piecing together a puzzle, where the story behind the work starts to unfold on its own. My latest collection, for example, is a direct response to a trip I took to Greece with my girls. The colors, the landscapes, and the feeling of being in such a rich, historic place all seeped into my work. The experience became more than just a trip—it was an inspiration, a collection of moments and emotions I wanted to capture and translate onto canvas. I often listen to music that connects to those memories, allowing it to influence the rhythm, movement, and tone of the piece. The combination of memory, music, and reflection gives my work a personal touch, creating a deeper connection between the artwork and the story I’m trying to tell.
How does Kansas City inspire your work as an artist and designer?
Kansas City has this awesome way of balancing its roots with a fresh, forward-thinking vibe, and that’s what really fuels my work. Whether it's the landscapes, the friendly people, or the creative energy buzzing through the neighborhoods, this city constantly reminds me to keep it real, focus on quality, and never stop creating. It’s like the city itself is a perfect mix of history and growth, and that’s exactly how I want my art and designs to feel—grounded yet evolving.
How do you see your store contributing to the local community? Are there any collaborations or events you’re planning?
I am always looking for ways to collaborate with other artists or local businesses. I do have a monthly workshop that you can find on my website and I am working on creating a few other types of workshops, team building experiences as well as kid specific workshops.
What does a typical workday look like for you? How do you balance running a store, creating art, and finding inspiration?
This has gotten pretty tricky since the first of the year with my family’s move. When I opened the shop I was just a few minutes away so was able to get my kids to school, walk the dogs and get ready for the day all before I headed into the shop. Now that we are 20+ minutes from here, I am still trying to figure out what my routine is. One thing has not changed though and that is spending about 30 minutes in the morning meditating and reflecting. This practice has been life changing. Soul changing really.
What’s something about you or your work that people might be surprised to learn?
My work is often a quiet response to the emotions, sounds, and colors around me—something I’m not always upfront about, but it’s what gives each piece a sense of depth and meaning. It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about capturing something real and personal, even if it’s not immediately obvious.
Rapid Fire:
A perfect/great piece of art should: cause you to pause - evoke emotions
I never leave home without: my pocket tape measure
It’s not a great dinner party without: friends
My go-to coffee order: large Latté - plain and simple
Whether you're looking to add a unique piece of art to your home, commission a custom piece, seek expert guidance as you curate your space, or participate in one of Leslie’s inspiring workshops, her store in Waldo is a must-visit destination that beautifully blends artistry, design, and community.
All photos are from Leslie Beck's website/instagram.
