Artist in Residence South East Roanoke (July 2022-June 2022)

Press Release

We are excited to welcome and introduce you to Brian Counihan and Lacey Leonard who were chosen to be part of this year’s Artists in Residence program.   In partnership with the City of Roanoke and the Roanoke Arts Commission,  UWRV will be serving as 1 of 10 hosting organizations for these incredible local artists who will showcase their talents as they develop into stronger community leaders. The Artists in Residence program is part of the commission’s Year of the Artist efforts. The partnership with UWRV will provide a launching point for the exploration of the social determinants of health and the role of community-based services in creating quality neighborhoods that improve and extend lives. Brian and Lacey will be immersed in the work of United Way and Healthy Roanoke Valley as they partner with the City and other community organization on the Neighborhoods of Opportunity effort to develop grassroots leadership at key underserved neighborhoods. By working with an emerging, collaborative, cross disciplinary team, these two artists will develop a project that engages the teams of neighborhood residents being mobilized through this strategy.

You may see Brian and Lacey in the building for a meeting, or out in the community – make sure you introduce yourself and let them know they’re part of the UWRV family! Click on these links if you’d like to learn more about the Artists in Residence program and other activities included in the Year of the Artist.   Special thanks to Doug Jackson for thinking about us as a possible host site.

Abby V. Hamilton/ President and CEO