Mural & Theme Painters: Kirsten Ruhs

MURAL & THEME PAINTERS

Year of the Dragon

Mural Artist: Kirsten Ruhs
Artist Location: Orlando, Florida

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About the Painter

My high school art teacher once told me, “You can’t deny your art. If you do, it will fight its way out of you.” That wisdom has stayed with me throughout my career. Theme painting has given me both the financial security I sought and the creative outlet I needed to do fulfilling artistic work.

I grew up in Bellport, Long Island, and attended the University of Michigan’s School of Art to appease parents unfamiliar with careers in the arts. I earned a BFA in drawing and painting but lacked clear direction post-graduation. Seeking sunshine, I moved to California, where I initially worked at a small toy company painting prototypes of McDonald’s Happy Meal toys and Mattel action figures. On weekends, I roller danced, adorning my skates and clothes with my own artwork. My painted gear made me a well-known artist, leading to side jobs in sign painting and faux finishes in shopfronts along Venice Beach. While working on one storefront, a passerby asked, “Why aren’t you in the film industry as a set painter?” That simple question changed everything.

Determined, I walked into Concorde-New Horizons with my portfolio, landing a job painting a 30-foot cactus for a film shoot. That first gig led me to union and non-union scenic work, where I cold-called studios and scenic shops until I found opportunities at ABC, NBC, and ultimately Walt Disney Imagineering. My time at Disney evolved from scenic artist to model painter to international relocations of 2-3 years each leading park-wide show paint for Tokyo DisneySea and Hong Kong Disneyland base parks. I worked on projects at all of Disney’s locations including Disneyland in Anaheim, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. Thereafter I started my own company, KirPaint, Inc.

After another decade working in-house for Walt Disney Imagineering on Shanghai Disneyland then shifting to Universal Creative, helping build Universal Beijing Resort—a career pinnacle—I’ve come full circle, running my own business again. My career has been shaped by unexpected moments and bold decisions, proving that embracing change can lead to incredible opportunities.

What do you love about your job?

I’ve always believed in the saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Theme painting allows me to bring imagination to life while working alongside fellow artists and like-minded creatives. Every project offers new challenges, fresh ideas, and the opportunity to collaborate with talented teams who share a passion for storytelling through art.

What I love most about my job is the constant problem-solving. No two projects are ever the same, and each brings a unique set of obstacles to overcome—whether it’s perfecting a faux finish, bringing a character’s world to life, or finding innovative ways to make artistic visions a reality. The creative process is never static; it demands adaptability, ingenuity, and an openness to learning something new every day.

Through my work, I’ve traveled the world, painted incredible themed environments, and had the privilege of contributing to experiences that transport people to another time, place, or story. And at the core of it all, I get to do what I love while making a living from it—a deeply fulfilling gift.

Faux finish resembling venetian plaster performed with sea sponges, rags and brushes: Miami Brickell District

Hands-on Scenic Painting Class for UCF (University of Central Florida) Master’s of Fine Arts – Theater, Themed Experience students

2023: Kirsten scenic painting in the Universal Studios Hollywood Super Nintendo World Toadstool Café

Kirsten with model of mountain and actual rockwork mountain at Universal Beijing Resort’s Jurassic World

What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend my free time much like I spend my working hours—doing what I love. Art has always been at the core of my life, and I enjoy creating, fixing things, and spending quality time with my family.

I enjoy the outdoors, whether paddleboarding, rollerblading, or simply taking in the world around me. Having moved frequently for my work, I’ve embraced travel as part of my journey, and each new location has given me the chance to connect with local artist communities. Whenever possible, I participate in local art shows, using each new theme as a fresh creative challenge that inspires my personal work.

Balancing personal artistic expression with my professional work has always been important to me. No matter where I am, I find ways to create, explore, and engage with the artistic world around me.

What else would you like our readers to know about you? And do you have any advice for someone contemplating a job in Theme work?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an artist is the value of financial stability. Creative careers can be unpredictable, and while passion fuels the work, financial security provides the freedom to fully pursue it. Finding ways to diversify income—whether through market investments, property ownership, or other streams—can help weather the uncertainties that inevitably come. Living simply, staying debt-free, and maintaining independence have been key to my success in sustaining a career that thrives through changing circumstances.

If you’re looking into theme park work, recognize there’s a fair amount of instability amidst the project-based work. The creative world is fluid, ever-changing, and filled with unexpected twists. Be ready to adapt, to shift direction, and to approach challenges with the problem-solving mindset that artists naturally possess. Incrementally building a strong foundation will further empower you to chase opportunities, take risks, and build a career that is not just rewarding but enduring.

Ultimately, theme work is about storytelling, craftsmanship, and bringing ideas to life. If you have the passion and perseverance to navigate its unpredictability, it can be an extremely fulfilling path to take.

See more of Kirsten’s work:
Website: kirpaint.com

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Behind the Texture with Rik Lazenby

Lazenby’s Decorative Arts Studio, Inc.

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Hello from beautiful, “Sweet Home Alabama.” I am Rik Lazenby, and I have been a practicing decorative artist for the past twenty-five years. As I approach eighty, I am probably one of the few seniors in the industry, still willing and able to work off of ladders and climb scaffolds. I am blessed, and you might hear a “y’all” every now and then.

Metallic ceiling and columns with champagne mica sheets added to wall areas

How did you get into the decorative arts?
My journey into the decorative arts world began many years ago. I was raised in a very rural area, but my uncle, John Thomas, who was also raised in the same area, left and become an internationally well-known artist. He was one of my heroes. After graduation, I attended The University of Alabama, where I earned a Master’s Degree with an emphasis in art education. I became a high school art teacher. This was very gratifying, but with a family to support, not financially lucrative. Two fellow teachers and I decided to open a residential/commercial painting company. Our concept was that we would continue to teach while painting on weekends, holidays and during the summer. Our company lasted for over thirty years.

After teaching art for seven years, I was asked to become a school administrator. For the next twenty-three years, I served as the principal of numerous elementary and high schools. I ended my career in education as the Director of Student Services for the Jefferson County School System.

Planning ahead for retirement from education, I decided to leave my painting company and enter a field that I could work by myself. I had been scoping out some of the industry giants in the decorative arts arena and decided to take the leap. Thus, I studied with several well-known decorative artists around the country. The Monday after I retired in 2000, I opened Lazenby’s Decorative Arts Studio, Inc. We are still in operation today.

Multiple decorative finishes in a beautiful home near Birmingham

Beautiful decorator white Venetian Plaster added to fireplace surround

Multi-layered glazed walls and ceilings using Golden Paintworks Metallic Paints

What influences do you think shaped your approach to decorative arts?
In my opinion, those you choose to study with always frame your perceptions. I am one who tries to learn, not only the basics from my teachers, but I always try to “pick their brains” and reach higher! Somewhere in my DNA is the need to carry the skills that I have learned to a higher level. Many of the skills that I have learned in the decorative arts industry also appear in many of my fine art works. I believe this is true for artists in general.

The most powerful influence on my decorative arts perspective came when I served as President of IDAL, (International Decorative Arts League). Being surrounded by many of our industry’s giants was so gratifying … and yes, so humbling. This was truly a gift, and I will forever be indebted to those who surrounded me with love.

Another influence on my decorative arts perspective was the week that I spent in New Berlin, New York, with Mark Golden and his wonderful staff. The IDAL Directors and I were gifted with a week of team building strategies, and observed them first-hand in the day-to-day operation of Golden Paintworks. I am forever grateful.

Rik refinishing the 97 year old Big Bertha Wurlitzer organ at the Alabama Theater

Rik working on the restoration of the historic Alabama Theater

Are there any projects that stick out most in your mind?
It is so hard for me to narrow down those projects that stick out in my mind, but I will name several.

My daughter, Jennifer (who is also my business partner) and I spent over a year on a project in Auburn, Alabama. The owner was replicating a French farmhouse and brought us into the project to apply over ten thousand pounds of hand-mixed plaster to the walls and ceilings throughout the house. Jennifer had to complete the final three weeks of the project by herself, as I was having cancer surgery.

Another memorable project was last year, when we worked with Greg Marsters in the restoration of the historic Alabama Theater, located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Still another honor was being asked to refinish the exterior of the historic “Big Bertha” Wurlitzer organ. This beautiful art piece has been with the Alabama Theater since its inception, ninety-seven years ago.

Another project that comes to mind is a large, domed church that we applied hundreds of pounds of texture in specific areas. One of the areas was a twelve-lane bowling alley, and another was the performance stage and surrounding columns and arches.

An elegant French Provincial music room created for one of our clients

Do you play music while you work and what kind?
I either play music (through my hearing aids, lol) or listen to audio books. Remember… I am old. My music runs the gamut:

Bob Dylan
Dan Fogelberg
Sarah Brightman
Josh Groban
Broadway Musicals
Alison Krauss
Alabama
Jimmy Buffett
Andrea Bocelli
Gordon Lightfoot
Annie Moses Band
Martin Simpson
Marty Goetz

Audio Books… Currently… Short Stories by William Faulkner

What advice would you give aspiring decorative artists?
First, realize that being a decorative artist is hard work and can be very demanding on the body. Be prepared to work many hours to reap the rewards. Our industry has declined in numbers, and I don’t see young people lining up to become part of the industry. I hope that I am wrong.

Now here comes the good part … this creates tremendous opportunities for the future! Here, in Alabama, there is very little competition, due to so many of the finishers having left the field. Where there is little competition, opportunities prevail!! I would find a niche, study with some of the super stars in our industry and become familiar with the many available products. In addition, I would recommend joining IDAL and interacting with other decorative artists throughout the world. Forge relationships with designers, decorators, builders, vendors, and architects. Become familiar with the business side of the industry and become proficient in marketing strategies. In the end … Believe in yourself! What you think, you can become. One of my favorite sayings in life is, “Trust your cape. Go for it!!”

What is your favorite thing about the decorative industry/community?
There is a bit of magic in knowing that your little world is an important part of a much bigger world. At the end of the day, you can look back and see where you have been, how it relates to others, and how it fits in with the grand design. You just never know who you will inspire or from where your next inspiration will come.

See more of Rik’s work at lazenbydecorativeart.com.

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Mural Makers: Nina Valkhoff

MURAL MAKERS

The Panther’s dream

Mural Artist: Nina Valkhoff
Artist Location: The Netherlands

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This mural is called ‘The Panther’s dream’, I made it last December 2024 in Miami, during Art basel. The location is Madison Middle School, where @awallmuralprojects organized for street artists to give a makeover to the school terrain.
I chose to paint animals that can be found in Florida: the Florida Panther and whales. It is a dream-like image of a panther daydreaming of whales; two completely different species connected by a sad reality of being endangered or almost extinct. I wanted the mural to look inspirational and positive for the school kids. You would have to know what it’s about to see it as a more serious mural, I like the first impression to be positive.

About the Mural:
Name:The Panther’s dream
Products used:
Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme
Location:
Miami, Florida, Madison Middle School

About the Maker

I am Nina Valkhoff, a muralist from the Netherlands. I have been painting walls for over 20 years now, and my career developed from landscapes and business logos to my own style. My murals and artworks center around flora and fauna, and can be described as dynamic, colorful, and positive. It is my goal to bring a sense of nature into the urban landscape, to make people feel good, and proud of where they live or work.

Are there any particular causes or messages you like to champion through your public art?
Even though at first my murals look like happy celebrations of nature, in reality I am trying to get a message across. Often I depict endangered species, or lesser known animals. By bringing them into people’s direct surroundings, I hope to create awareness about their existence. Maybe people will even treat animals better, once they start seeing them as a part of their own world. I call this very optimistic wish I have ‘subtile artivism’.

Do you have any other projects coming up that you’d like to share anything about?
I am heading into my mural season of 2025, and I have around 10 amazing walls lined up and waiting for me! I can’t wait to go back up in my boom lift again and bring some color and joy.

This mural titled 'Lamento en la selva' is a cry for help for endangered species. I painted it for the world renowned STRAAT museum, the street art museum in Amsterdam. It was a big honor and great pleasure for me to be a part of their collection.

This mural with the fox is titled 'Ode to city nature' and was painted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to highlight the fact that there are foxes in the city. It is a vibrant mural on a very busy spot, in the middle of the city centre.

This dog was painted for the Cheltenham Paint festival in England

This mural is titled 'on the list', and it shows three animals that are on the list of animals that can be hunted legally in Germany, where this mural is located. It is a very happy looking protest against hunting for pleasure.

This frog mural is inspired on sculptures that can be found on a historical building right next to this wall. I wanted the little decorative frogs to come to life!

See more of Nina Valkhoff’s work:
Website: ninavalkhoff.com
Instagram: @ninapelirroja