Harnessing Abundant Imagination and Creativity as Tools for Social Change

Join NOMAKC and Of the Valley Creative for an interactive art workshop to explore abundant imagination and creativity as tools for social change. In this 90-min. session, you will learn to harness the power of memory, intuition, and visualization through creating a personalized art piece.

We will begin by introducing the work of Dr. Ruha Benjamin and Mariame Kaba. We will then break out into small groups with NOMAKC facilitators to discuss the key themes from Imagination: A Manifesto and We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice, while working through a hands-on art activity with guidance from Lillian Cooper with Of the Valley Creative.

Harnessing Abundant Imagination is a special event organized and presented by NOMAKC for KC Design Week!

We have selected each Partner Event to deliver something new, something cutting-edge, something unforgettable, and something delightful to add to our schedule. KC Design Week appreciates NOMAKC for their enthusiastic participation!

These events are presented FREE of charge, but advance registration is REQUIRED.

Day Six - April 27

Apr 27, 2026 | 5:00-7:00pm

5:00pm | Check-in
5:30pm | Presentation

Hufft
3612 Karnes Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64111
United States

FREE

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ABOUT

Lillian Cooper

Founder | Of the Valley Creative LLC
Principal Architect | Nueva LLC
Kansas State University: Master of Architecture (2014)
NOMAKC Past Advocacy Co-Chair (2023-2025)

Lillian is a multi-passionate Architect and artist based in Kansas City. She has extensive design and holistic wellness experience having worked on issues critical to human well-being around the world, including: homelessness, mental health, food insecurity, economic inequality, water scarcity, flooding, waste management, equitable access to healthcare, and lack of public amenities. She is a strong community advocate and has partnered with a variety of mission-driven organizations devoted to the advancement of social equity. Lillian believes all humans, of every background and lived experience, deserve access to beautiful, dignified spaces – and has committed her career to the pursuit of this truth.

Lydia Dickensheet

Architectural Designer
Jones Gillam Renz Architects
Drury University: Masters of Architecture
NOMAKC Advocacy Committee Co-chair

Lydia's passion for architecture and DEI fuels her work in the AEC industry and beyond. She utilizes empathy, creativity, and personal connection to try and make positive changes in the world around her, no matter how small. She believes that we're all on a path of life-long growth and should always strive to become more educated, emotionally intelligent, and open-minded people.

Emily Coleman

BRR Architecture
Architectural Design Staff I

Emily believes design is a way to bring people together and create spaces that provoke change. She is motivated by equitable design and sustainable practices and finds space to be a crucial part of our shared human experience. She merges empathy with design and continues to learn from those who share her values, focusing on creating better spaces for all.