Robyn Mitchell, owner of Lovelight Design Studio works at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, design, consulting, and social justice. Providing design services for a wide range of civic and nonprofit organizations, Robyn is building a broad portfolio of clients while pushing her creativity into new arenas. As an artist in residence, Robyn has engaged neighbors and stakeholders in arts based participation strategies around the development of a new community center in Roanoke’s Eureka Park. Robyn has led interactive engagements alongside the Eureka Park team of architects exploring color and sense of place . At the 2023 Juneteenth Family Reunion in Eureka Park, Robyn coordinated a community ‘unity mural,’ With These Hands.

As a digital and collage work artist, my artistic approach is a blend of contemporary techniques and collaborative engagement. I specialize in combining various elements to create unique and thought-provoking pieces, leveraging my digital expertise to seamlessly integrate images and textures. Collaboration is central to my work; I thrive on incorporating diverse perspectives and ideas, enriching my art with communal creativity. In my role as a creative director, I guide projects from concept to fruition, ensuring that every piece aligns with the intended artistic vision and thematic essence. Additionally, as a curator, I meticulously select and organize artworks, whether mine or others’, to craft cohesive and compelling narratives. This multifaceted approach not only defines my artistic identity but also underscores my dedication to producing art that is interactive, inclusive, and rich in narrative.

Artistically Restoring Trust: A.R.T.

An artistic approach to restoring the trust & acknowledging the legacy & HOPES of the NW Community.

Participants will create art that reflects their interpretation of the theme. Pieces will become property of and displayed in Melrose Plaza with potential temporary displays at access points throughout the community.

Budget: $4,000

$250 Stipend for each artist (Total of 10 artists) – $2,500

$750 for opening reception & printed programs

$750 for Marketing and meeting incidentals

Hold intro meeting with artists to go over expectations and importance of the theme A. R. T.

Encourage discussion about how to restore trust in the NW Community; the things, people, places in the community that need to be celebrated; the HOPES for NW.

Present the project with an exhibition and celebration

Artistically Restoring Trust: A.R.T.” is a multifaceted initiative that promotes justice, wellness, and inclusion in Roanoke by engaging the community in a meaningful dialogue through art, celebrating local culture, enhancing wellness, creating accessible public art, economically empowering artists, and fostering ongoing community development.

1. Fostering Community Engagement and Trust: By involving local artists in creating art that interprets themes of trust and hope, the project directly engages the NW Community in a dialogue about its own identity and future. This process not only acknowledges the community’s legacy but also actively involves its members in shaping how it is represented and perceived, thereby restoring and strengthening trust within the community.

2. Promoting Inclusion Through Artistic Expression: The project is inclusive as it welcomes diverse interpretations and expressions from different artists. This inclusivity ensures a variety of perspectives and experiences within the NW Community are represented, providing a more holistic and authentic representation of the community’s identity and aspirations.

3. Celebrating Local Culture and Heritage: The focus on celebrating the things, people, and places in the NW Community that need to be celebrated contributes to a sense of justice. It honors and brings to light the unique aspects of the community’s culture and heritage, which may have been previously overlooked or undervalued.

Ideally, the exhibition will coincide with the opening of Melrose Plaza slated for late 2024.
The call for art would be issued in summer 2024.

Melrose Plaza is a key partner in this effort. Other partners may be added as the project progresses.

The role of Melrose Plaza is to provide additional capital for the project, a location to showcase the project, and resources to assist with items such as marketing, advertising, and project management for the launch of the exhibition.

The project, especially through its exhibition and celebration, provides a platform for ongoing dialogue about the community’s future. This aspect is crucial for sustaining the momentum in advancing justice, wellness, and inclusion beyond the lifespan of the project itself.

My goal as an artist is to use art as a catalyst to bring about positive, lasting, and impactful change in my community.

Volunteers, other resources may be deemed supportive at a later time.