Julie Knost was born in Joplin in 1957 and graduated from Parkwood High School in 1975.  After completing a BA in art at PSU, she moved to Los Angeles to work on a master’s degree.  However, her extreme sensitivity to the chemicals involved cut short that goal, so she directed her efforts elsewhere.  In Boston, where she worked at Harcourt Bindery, her bookbinding experience helped her perfect another art form—handcrafted boxes. 

 Collage Boxes

Unfortunately, Julie’s environmental illness ended her art career.  She moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked as a bridal consultant for Hall’s Dept. Store and later as a corporate health specialist for the American Red Cross. 

With deteriorating health, Julie returned to Joplin in 1989.  She found the ideal abode for someone living with environmental illness—an all-steel “Lustron house.” She was very proud of her unique home, one that historic preservationists nationwide have recognized.

Back home in Joplin, Julie found other outlets for her creativity-- researching environmental illness and seeking to help fellow sufferers.  Her condition worsened, however, leaving her with cirrhosis of the liver awaiting a liver transplant. She lost her courageous battle on Dec. 31, 2005. 

This exhibit, which includes her weavings, pottery, collage, handmade boxes, jewelry, and coiled baskets is dedicated to Julie.