A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Mark Westervelt has been living and practicing  his craft  in Kansas City for over 25 years. Westervelt attended the prestigious Kansas City Art Institute, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting in 1990.

After completing  his undergraduate education, Westervelt went on to study at the esteemed University of Chicago, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree also in painting.

He has shared his passion and knowledge with other aspiring artists by teaching classes at each of his alma maters and private lessons from his studio.

The Left Bank, a ground-breaking alternative art gallery, was co-founded by Westervelt in 1987. This gallery has not only showcased artwork in the traditional sense of the word, but has also featured the creative mind work of actors, musicians, dancers, sculptors and so much more. The Left Bank pioneered Kansas City’s rise to creative and artistic fame, paving the way for what we now know as the nation’s intersection of artistry and technology—“America’s Creative Crossroads.” During its time, The Left Bank gave artists of all different backgrounds a place to gather together to learn, create and express their passion for the arts.

Westervelt has displayed his art regionally and nationally, hosting exhibitions in major cities all across the country, including: Texas, Nebraska,  Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit and Kansas City, just to name a few. His work can be found in corporate and private collections nationwide.