When a Space Becomes a Place

Launching a space like Art Project Roanoke has been a dance between patience and progress. There have been a few moments this winter that asked us to slow down and adjust, and your steady support made all the difference. Thank you for rolling with us.

Our first exhibition in the side gallery opened on a cold, snowy night and the Hollins community showed up in the warmest way, celebrating a beautifully diverse group of artists and artworks. A space that had once been a quiet, dark lobby to pass through … now a place to slow down, tell stories, and hopefully be inspired.

At the same time, Daisy Art Parade energy has been building steadily. Monday night sessions are going strong, with new krewes jumping in. We’ve also landed on our Art Project Roanoke krewe theme (more on that below)!

One of the best surprises of this season has been the steady stream of neighbors popping in especially our downtown Roanoke friends who are simply excited to see the space lit up again. More than once we’ve heard, “I’m just so glad this isn’t empty anymore.”

Us too!!!

There’s something powerful about breathing life back into a building but even more powerful is the community that fills it. We’ve also had the joy of welcoming in groups like the Downtown Roanoke Neighborhood Committee and the Shakespeare in the Yard troupe as they gather, plan, rehearse, and imagine what’s possible …. right here in our beautiful Blue Ridge city.

That will continue to be a big part of our focus: listening closely to what the community needs and wants, and building this space with those voices at the center.