Through the LOOKING GLASS

ARTIST LIZ KNIGHT-URY BRINGS STOREFRONTS TO LIFE THROUGH VIBRANT MURALS

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON / D SARAH STEFFENS

As a Kindergartner, Liz Knight-Ury was crushed when told to put down her crayons and stop drawing so the class could move on to something else. Her love of creating evolved into painting and now, as the owner of Painted Designs by Liz, she translates her artistic skill into gorgeous storefront murals seen throughout the community. Her childhood passion matured in her teen years. “In high school, a select handful of students who showed great artistic skills were chosen to be a part of the independent art program,” she explains. “As an independent art student, you were able to have a great portion of your school day dedicated to art, full use of all art classrooms on campus, and we’re not given assignments, rather the freedom to use all supplies needed to create whatever you desired.”

Liz first painted murals in her childhood bedroom, happily coloring every square inch of her walls and ceiling. Later, a friend who owned a small business, asked her to paint her store windows for Christmas. “I figured I would paint one storefront for my friend and be done. I was wrong… I have not stopped painting windows since that day,” she says.

Liz enjoys challenge in her art, and her most difficult murals are often her favorites. “My favorite window designs usually happen during Christmas. I always joke that I am part elf (short and crafty) and filled with the spirit of the holidays,” Liz laughs. She is known for her signature whimsical swirls, and she loves to see the smiles on the faces of those who see her murals.

Liz’s murals can be found in storefronts in Downtown Lodi, particularly on Pine Street. “I

FOLLOW ALONG @painteddesignbyliz Facebook.com/PaintedDesignByLiz have many businesses that participate in holiday paint that changes throughout the year and the seasons all over the Lodi area,” she says. “The small businesses I work with throughout the community are all awesome… They keep my artwork forever changing.”