shop ^ makers Lights On Mason
VKC: Why did you start your business? Larry: Seventeen years ago we started a memorial scholarship fund at Archbishop O’Hara High School in memory of our son, Tyler, who passed away in 1998. It is intended for kids that really work hard and need the money for college. To date we have helped 16 kids go to college with some funds applied to their college tuition. We always try to find a family or student with special needs and a GPA un- der 3.0 when possible. Tyler had to work very hard to keep up at OHS and we look for that in the students we interview each year. VKC: Where do you find your materials? Larry: I find items to repurpose from estate sales, flea markets, antique malls and much I buy off eBay. VKC: What inspires you? Larry: Of course the memory of Tyler, and his boundless love for his brother and sister is my first inspiration. Tyler loved his time at OHS— it was his second home. He felt very loved and accepted there. We embrace supporting what OHS has always repre- Part steam punk, part industrial, all unique and all for charity
cess of the booth. I often buy items 4-6 months before I am inspired with how to use them. For most proj-
ects it’s a combination of five-10 individual items combined to make one finished piece. It drives my wife Teresa a bit crazy; she
often reminds me of all the inventory I have in my work shop. She pretty much designs the booth space monthly and works her tail off to help make it all come together. I could not pull it all off without her. VKC: What do you love about Kansas City? Larry: Its so affordable and friendly. I have lived in the KC area my entire life. It’s great to be a part of the West Bottoms. With the great support of the folks at Bella Patina, I feel truly blessed
to able to raise the money for Tyler’s Memo- rial Scholarship Fund. At the same time I am discover- ing a lot about myself and the creativity that was hidden inside for 60 plus years. For more in- formation, visit facebook.com/ lightsonmason.
sented in education of the youth of Kansas City. My creative inspiration comes frommany diverse areas. It’s kind of strange for me to actually do something people who struggles with drawing stick people. But I can see an object and, thinking outside the box, I can often create one-of- a-kind pieces. Many times our friends inspire me to build pieces and in turn they feel a part of the suc- considered a form of art. I am one of those
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See more Lights on Mason, supporting the Tyler Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, at Bella Patina in the West Bottoms.
38 vintagekc summer 2016
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