Reese Bentzinger
Editorial Assistant
Northeast News

Although muralist Zac Laman lives in the Historic Northeast, his work is hidden around many pockets of Kansas City. His murals have made a splash from New Parlor to the Northeast Chamber of Commerce building.

Laman’s work tends to reflect his native Arkansas, with song birds and fish being a common theme. Kansas City has also left an impact on him, and other local artists such as Jason Harrington have inspired him to paint bigger.

“The neighborhood is craving more public art,” Laman said.

Laman’s vision can be seen clearly on his Chamber of Commerce mural, which depicts three immigrant women facing the same direction. His trademark songbirds represent the women’s country of origin. The direction of their faces reflect what Laman sees for the Northeast: moving forward and becoming stronger.

Laman hopes that more artists will join him in creating art in the Northeast.

“One thing I would like to see though is more art for art’s sake to go with all the Northeast themed work as well,” Laman said. “Meaning that if you free up restrictions on what the art has to be or mean you will get a lot more artists willing to put up work.”

If you want to see Laman’s work, be sure to check out his Instagram @compost_pile. Or you just might stumble upon it while venturing throughout the city.