Kyle Holbrook, a multifaceted artist, founder of Moving Lives of Kids (MLK Mural Project), author, sculptor, filmmaker, and photographer, is celebrated for his monumental contributions to public art. With a legacy of over 800 murals and community art projects across 43 countries and 49 states, Holbrook has painted his way into history. He holds the record for the most murals in Allegheny County and has left his mark across major cities, including Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and even globally in cities like London and Tokyo. His work isn’t merely decorative; Holbrook’s pieces foster community resilience and galvanize social awareness, often focusing on special needs groups, youth, and local communities, channeling the unifying power of art. He collaborates frequently with police departments, bridges societal divides, and uses his art to address pressing issues such as violence and urban blight.

Holbrook’s creative life began early, and according to family lore, he was announcing his ambition to become an artist as soon as he could speak. Growing up, he transformed every birthday and holiday into a miniature gallery opening, creating intricate, handmade cards that became family treasures. His parents, both educators in Pittsburgh and Steel Valley school districts, encouraged his talents by exposing him to the richness of the world around him: an uncle’s farm in Ithaca, NY; visits to Native American reservations near Taos, NM; and cross-country trips with his father, an amateur photographer. This early exposure shaped Holbrook’s artistic vision, helping him view the world through a lens of connection and community. A graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he was already designing T-shirts and creating a small clothing line by college, which would soon grow into his first business venture, KH Designs.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Holbrook didn’t have an easy path. With a world of influences pulling him in different directions, he faced challenges, particularly in his teenage years when gang activity was pervasive. Despite this, Holbrook remained dedicated to his art. Saturdays at Carnegie Mellon’s art classes were his sanctuary, and his commitment paid off—by the time he was in college, he was already surpassing standard coursework and taking on advanced assignments. Becoming a father at a young age, Holbrook started his first business, employing fellow artists and teachers. Today, his artwork includes not just murals, but sculptures, films, books, and a diverse photography portfolio that captures the spirit of communities worldwide.

Holbrook has contributed art to some of the world’s most high-profile events, including the MLB All-Star Game, the U.S. Open, the G20 Summit, the United Nations post-earthquake murals in Haiti, Art Basel, and numerous cultural institutions, such as the Clemente Museum and St. Angela’s College in Ireland. In 2015, he made international headlines as the first American to paint on the Israeli-Palestinian separation wall alongside Banksy. His 'Stop Gun Violence Mural Tour,' launched in 2021, continues to all 50 U.S. states, raising awareness for gun violence, a cause close to his heart as he has lost 45 friends and family members to violence.

Beyond painting, Holbrook’s pursuits have expanded to filmmaking, sculpting, and writing. As a filmmaker, he has created short documentaries that chronicle the power of public art to change lives and shift perspectives. His sculptures have been showcased in public spaces, adding depth to the communities he engages with through his murals. His work as a photographer has captured not just his own art but the faces and stories of people from different walks of life, chronicling the emotions, struggles, and hopes of the communities he serves. In his writing, Holbrook reflects on these experiences, distilling the wisdom of decades spent creating art that gives back.

One Friday night at the Boys & Girls Club in Wilkinsburg, Holbrook was leading a mural project when a few neighborhood kids, curious and eager, gathered around. “Mr. Kyle, can I help?” they asked. Suddenly, he realized the potential of art to engage youth who might otherwise be left without positive outlets. As the mural took shape, the kids began opening up to him, asking questions and sharing their lives, proud of their work. Holbrook saw an impact that public art could make, particularly in areas impacted by violence, where he had personally lost many friends. Shortly afterward, in 2002, he founded Moving Lives of Kids. The project started small but has now employed over 9,000 young people, creating murals across Pittsburgh, NYC, LA, Miami, Atlanta, and in countries around the world.

Through the MLK Mural Project, Holbrook has transformed art into a leadership and entrepreneurial training ground for thousands of young people, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds. They don’t just paint—they take on roles, learn skills, and contribute to something larger than themselves. It’s a job, with clear expectations, responsibilities, and goals, funded through grants and donations, where each participant plays an integral part. His mission has become a model for community-driven art, shaping future leaders and inspiring a generation of young creatives.

Holbrook’s work extends beyond murals. His sculptures and mixed media installations provide permanent reflections of his projects, and his documentary films capture the essence of his creative journey, preserving the vibrant voices of the communities he serves. Holbrook’s photography series captures the daily lives of the people he meets along the way, showcasing diversity and resilience. In his writings, he blends humor and wisdom, sharing insights from a life spent engaging with communities across the globe.

In his personal life, Holbrook is as adventurous as he is in his art. He’s passionate about collecting classic and exotic cars, a hobby he’s cultivated since his mid-20s, and has an eye for timepieces, with a carefully curated watch collection. He loves to take road trips to car shows, go hiking, and travel to speak with youth and seniors alike. Through every mural, sculpture, film, and photograph, Kyle Holbrook proves the transformative power of art, continually finding new ways to create, inspire, and connect.