The intersection of 85th and Wornall is one of the neighborhood’s busiest spots.  And if you’ve been sitting in your car at the stoplight,  looking around and waiting for the green signal, you may have noticed the “can of sardines”  on the northeast corner.  I certainly did a doubletake the first time it caught my eye!!  

This street art is actually the work of local artist Adriana Aiyetoro, Algar, a Waldo resident and owner of Painted Teacup,  7218 Wornall.   The Waldo Area Business Association teamed up with Adriana for this project to bring playful public art pieces to the neighborhood over the next several months.   Adriana explained the inspiration for the design came while she was grocery shopping.  “I saw some tinned fish, bought a can and just knew it would be a good fit” for her canvas:  an electrical box.  To bring her creative vision to life, she uses outdoor latex paint, seals and waterproofs the piece  and also maintains the artwork.  Adriana wants all of the art to be “practical artwork” –not abstract.  She’s considering painting a stick of butter next, or perhaps a Gameboy or box of matches.  Also, look closely because each piece will have a Where’s Waldo figure hidden somewhere in the design!  The next location is planned for 79th and Wornall. 

 Art runs in Adriana’s family–her grandfather actually designed the legendary Gates BBQ logo. After several years hosting mobile painting workshops, she opened the permanent space, Painted Teacup, in 2021.  She wanted a brick and mortar location as a studio for herself and to host her successful  paint and sip classes. Novice artists are welcome! “The whole point is to learn something new”, she says, “and just have fun with it!”.   Visit the website for the upcoming sessions; you can also rent the studio for private events. 

Thanks to Adriana and the Waldo Area Business Association for bringing this colorful art to Waldo!