Osteria IL Centro, Minsky’s Pizza, and eggtc. at 51st and Main Street in Kansas City are excited for the debut of our new “Eat. Play. (Love) South Plaza” mural designed and painted by local artist Ruthie Ozonoff. Located on the north side of Osteria IL Centro on 51st Street, the mural is an homage to the South Plaza neighborhood that Minsky’s has called home for over 40 years (and Osteria IL Centro for over 25 years!).
Ruthie is also the artist behind many of Kansas City’s most iconic and “Instagrammable” murals, including the “Kansas City, I’m So In Love” mural at 2010 McGee, and the “Where Kansas City Plays” mural in the West Bottoms. Both murals regularly make numerous lists of “most Instagrammable spots in KC,” and we are thrilled to be able to add a piece of Ruthie’s artistry to South Plaza.
According to Minsky’s, eggtc. and Osteria IL Centro founder Gregg Johnson, “We wanted to highlight the South Plaza neighborhood where we got our start – and to this day consider our home base. It’s a place for great food, for shopping, for browsing the Plaza library or just getting out for a walk. There are schools, churches and hundreds of families living in South Plaza – it’s really an incredible hidden jewel nestled in the hills above the Country Plaza.”
Gregg continued, “The blue in the mural just felt right – the color is kind of a nod to the Royals, and also the color of the skies above South Plaza on a beautiful day. And the red heart – I guess we see the South Plaza neighborhood as being part of the heart of the great city we all call home. We look forward to enjoying the mural for years to come!”
Ruthie is from Kansas City and grew up in the Brookside area. She attended the University of Kansas where she studied illustration and animation and currently resides in Lawrence. You can find Ruthie’s work on her Facebook and Etsy pages, or check it out on Instagram: @designedbyruthie.
So, the next time you visit Osteria IL Centro, Minsky’s, or eggtc., be sure to walk around the corner to the north of the block, check out the new South Plaza mural, snap a selfie or group shot and tag us on social! And, last - but not least! - we offer a heartfelt “Thank You!” to Ruthie for bringing this amazing mural to life and for being a huge part of our tribute to our ongoing love affair with South Plaza!
