Oakland artist Kim Larson was born with artistic talent. "But let’s face it" she says, "having artistic talent and a dollar will only get you a cup of coffee."

But in 1983, after a chance meeting with a graphic designer, she found a creative endeavor that could actually pay the bills and embarked on a 27 year career as a designer.

Then, in 2006, she discovered mosaics at a mosaic school and store in Oakland’s Jingletown neighborhood. Since then Larson has created both fine art and public art installations.

"I make art for one simple reason: because I can. People enjoy my designs and I find deep gratification in that. I’ve worked in many different art media and find mosaics to be very expressive." 

In September, 2009 Larson was awarded an Oakland Circle One grant to install animal-themed mosaics on the exterior of the Oakland Animal Shelter. She is also a member of the Jingletown Arts and Business Community and has been a participant in the East Bay Open Studios since 2007. During 2009 she was co-director of Jingletown’s 4:20 Gallery during the once-monthly Estuary Art Attack.

Her next big project will be installing a large mosaic of the Virgin Of Guadalupe as part of the Jingletown Art Garden Project. 

You can find out more about Larson work at the links below.