Meet Kyle Holbrook | Educator, Artist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle Holbrook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyle, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about the public art industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is how art transcends international borders to foster connections, even in the most divided or devastated communities. From creating murals on the Separation Wall in Israel to uniting thousands of locals in Haiti after a natural disaster, and engaging communities across 43 countries and 49 states, public art not only tells stories but also becomes a transformative force that bridges cultural, social, and political divides, inspiring hope and resilience worldwide.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m deeply passionate about creating art that not only beautifies spaces but also fosters a sense of community, belonging, and engagement. What sets me apart is my focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and the use of art as a tool for social change. Whether it’s a mural, a community art event, or an educational project, I aim to create work that involves and reflects the people it touches. My projects often include elements of community participation, allowing people to become a part of the artistic process. This helps build connections and creates a lasting impact beyond just the visual art itself.

I’m most proud of my work with communities—like the murals I’ve created in collaboration with residents in the Uptown neighborhood and my recent projects in New York and Atlanta, where students from diverse backgrounds came together to create murals focused on inclusion and unity. These moments where the art becomes a means of connection, self-expression, and education are what excite me the most.

My journey to where I am today hasn’t always been easy. There have been many challenges, from overcoming skepticism about the power of art to tackling logistical hurdles when working on large-scale, community-driven projects. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced was learning to balance the creative process with the practical side of organizing and collaborating with different stakeholders, from community leaders to businesses and government officials.

The key to overcoming these challenges has been persistence, faith and learning from each experience. I’ve also learned that communication and active listening are vital when working with diverse groups. Every project is a learning opportunity—whether it’s about the people involved, the materials used, or the logistics of creating something large and impactful in a public space. I’ve learned to approach each project with flexibility, because things rarely go exactly as planned, and to always keep the community’s needs and input at the forefront of the work.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are ones I try to carry with me into each new project: Stay open to feedback, be adaptable, and above all, never lose sight of the impact you can have on the community through art. I also believe strongly in the importance of mentorship, having had mentors like George Gist, whose wisdom and guidance helped shape my approach to both art and community work.

What I want the world to know about me and my work is that art isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about creating a space for people to connect, learn, and grow together. My brand is rooted in that philosophy, and I hope my work inspires others to see the power of art to transform not just walls but entire communities. Every project I undertake is a reflection of my belief in the collective power of people coming together to create something meaningful.

Looking forward, I’m excited about continuing to create murals that are not only visually striking but also serve as tools for social justice, education, and inclusion. Whether it’s through large-scale public works or intimate community projects, my goal is always to leave a lasting impression and a sense of pride in the communities I work with.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival & Introduction to Atlanta

Morning: Breakfast at Buttermilk Kitchen – A cozy spot known for its Southern-style breakfast. Their biscuits and chicken and waffles are a must-try.
Walk around Piedmont Park – After breakfast, take a relaxing stroll through Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s most iconic green space. It offers beautiful views of the city skyline and a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.

Afternoon: Lunch at Ponce City Market – Head to Ponce City Market for a mix of food stalls, local shops, and some indoor fun. Grab lunch at one of the market’s eateries, like the food hall’s Botiwalla for Indian street food or Bellina Alimentari for Italian cuisine.
Explore the Atlanta BeltLine – After lunch, take a walk or rent bikes to explore the BeltLine, a former railway corridor now transformed into a trail that connects several Atlanta neighborhoods, filled with art installations, parks, and breweries.

Evening: Dinner at The Optimist – A stylish seafood spot with an amazing atmosphere. The oysters and lobster rolls are great choices.
Drinks at The Clermont Lounge – A legendary dive bar with a quirky vibe, famous for its eclectic crowd and fun atmosphere. It’s a unique spot to start your Atlanta nightlife experience.

Day 2: Arts, History, and Southern Culture

Morning: Breakfast at Flying Biscuit Café – Enjoy a classic Southern breakfast at one of Atlanta’s most beloved spots, known for its grits and biscuits.
Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – This historic site includes MLK’s childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center. It’s a deeply moving experience that highlights Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement.

Afternoon: Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room – A classic Southern institution, perfect for sampling comfort food like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread.
Visit the Atlanta History Center – Spend the afternoon exploring this expansive museum, which features exhibits on the Civil War, Southern history, and even a beautiful garden and historic homes.
Evening:

Dinner at Gunshow – A unique dining experience where chefs bring dishes to your table on carts, offering an interactive and ever-changing menu. It’s a fun way to sample inventive Southern dishes.
Drinks at Edgewood Avenue – This street is home to a variety of bars with a laid-back, local vibe, perfect for enjoying some live music and people-watching.

Day 3: Neighborhoods and Unique Attractions

Morning: Breakfast at Home Grown – A quirky, down-home spot that’s a local favorite for Southern-inspired breakfast items.
Explore Little Five Points – This eclectic neighborhood is filled with vintage shops, funky boutiques, and street art. It’s perfect for browsing cool, unique stores and grabbing a coffee at one of the local cafes.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Varsity – For a true taste of Atlanta’s fast food culture, stop by The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. You can’t go wrong with their chili dogs and fries.
Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Spend the afternoon at the garden, where you can explore themed gardens, art installations, and the stunning Tropical Rotunda.
Evening:

Dinner at The Iberian Pig – Enjoy a delicious tapas dinner in the heart of Decatur. This spot offers creative dishes with a Spanish flair.
Drinks at The Rooftop Bar at Ponce City Market – End the evening with cocktails and panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline from one of the city’s coolest rooftop bars.

Day 4: A Day in Nature and Thrills

Morning: Breakfast at Highland Bakery – A popular spot for a hearty breakfast. Their grits and omelets are local favorites.
Visit the Atlanta Zoo – Spend the morning at one of the oldest and most respected zoos in the country, home to pandas, gorillas, and more.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Busy Bee Café – A legendary soul food spot in Atlanta that’s been serving up fried chicken and collard greens since 1947.
Head to Six Flags Over Georgia – For the afternoon, take a trip to the theme park. Whether you love roller coasters or prefer the classic attractions, it’s an exciting way to spend the day.
Evening:

Dinner at Kevin Rathbun Steak – This upscale steakhouse offers an incredible dining experience, with delicious cuts of meat and a refined atmosphere.
Catch a show at The Tabernacle – This historic venue hosts concerts and events, offering an intimate yet high-energy vibe for live music fans.

Day 5: Explore the Arts Scene & Local Music

Morning: Breakfast at Sweet Auburn Curb Market – This historic market offers a range of breakfast options from local vendors, from coffee to pastries to breakfast burritos.
Visit the High Museum of Art – A must-see for art lovers, the High Museum features impressive collections of American, European, and contemporary art.

Afternoon: Lunch at H&F Burger – A popular spot for a delicious, classic burger. Don’t skip the fries—they’re a local favorite.
Explore the Contemporary Art Museum (MOCA GA) – Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Georgia for more modern art, focusing on local and regional artists.

Evening: Dinner at Staplehouse – A high-end spot that offers creative and locally sourced dishes. It’s perfect for an unforgettable dining experience.
Live music – Find a Local Hip-Hop Event so you can experience the ATL Hip-Hop Culture, I have attended several events with writer Brentin Mock in the early 2000s, once even as his photographer for a Story during the Hip Hop awards in Atlanta.

Day 6: Adventures

Morning: Breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Café – A must-visit spot for Southern comfort breakfast classics.
Explore the Krog Street Market – This trendy market has great local vendors, from food stalls to artisan shops.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Bar Mercado – A Spanish tapas bar offering a wide range of small plates and creative cocktails.
Shopping in Buckhead – Spend the afternoon exploring the upscale shopping district of Buckhead, home to stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, and more. And an Acai Bowl anywhere they are my favorite right now!
Evening:

Dinner at Bacchanalia – One of Atlanta’s best fine dining spots, offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a sophisticated setting.
Drinks at Whiskey Blue – A chic rooftop bar with amazing views, located in the W Hotel Buckhead. Perfect for sipping cocktails as the sun sets.

Day 7: Last Day Relaxation & Farewell to the “A”

Morning: Brunch at West Egg Café – A relaxed brunch spot in Midtown with delicious Southern-inspired dishes and a cozy vibe.
Relax at the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Spend your final morning walking or biking along the BeltLine, exploring murals, parks, and local coffee shops.

Afternoon: Lunch: just grab some real Chicken from the Hood.

Evening: Dinner at The Capital Grille – End the trip with a classic and elegant dinner at one of Atlanta’s most popular steakhouse chains, known for its exceptional food and service.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kyle Holbrook’s shoutout goes to his family for their unwavering love and encouragement, and to Louis Wolfson III, a visionary philanthropist and mentor from an influencial family known for its major contributions to various causes and to affordable housing and business. For over 15 years, Louis has supported Kyle’s journey as an artist and changemaker, collaborating on impactful public art projects addressing social issues, education, and community empowerment. Louis is one of the founders of Pinnacle Housing. He has overseen the development of 15,000 affordable housing units serving over 50,000 residents. His guidance, friendship and commitment have been instrumental in creating impactful public works in collaboration with Kyle through Pinnacle’s “Art in Public Places” , Kyle’s MLK Mural Project and other transformative initiatives, exemplifying how influence, passion, and resources can create meaningful societal change in communities.

Website: https://www.mlkmural.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artworld187/?hl=en

Youtube: @artworld9887

Other: https://www.bigbabyartworld.com

Image Credits
Orange Photo Shoot by Kim Sing and Mural Photo by Jose Sabates