UPDATE: Local artists Erik Vasilaushas and Anna Lee Roeder are on a mission to brighten up Southwest Michigan, creating over 50 public art projects in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. The couple, who founded Dream Scene Placemaking in 2019, is dedicated to enhancing community spaces through vibrant murals and engaging art initiatives.
Their journey began in 2012 when they met at a major music festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Now married, they have transformed their passion for art into a community effort, starting with a colorful revitalization of Kik Pool in 2019. Their impressive portfolio includes renowned locations like Bali, Greece, Mexico City, and Miami.
“We are thrilled to change the way the community looks,” said Vasilaushas, emphasizing the duo’s vision to make art accessible and engaging for everyone. They currently have murals displayed prominently in Kalamazoo, with additional projects in Roeder’s hometown of Bridgman and nearby Vicksburg.
The couple’s innovative approach to art has also included the impactful “We are Edison” project, which featured 100 portraits of local residents along Portage Road, showcasing the area’s diversity. “Even beyond beautifying spaces, we aim to give agency to others,” Vasilaushas stated.
Their unique projects go beyond murals. In 2019, they initiated the City Snaps project, allowing community members to capture and share their perceptions of Kalamazoo using disposable cameras. These photos were then displayed on utility boxes throughout the city, enhancing local engagement.
The couple’s commitment to community involvement continues as they guide local youth through the art-making process. Through partnerships with programs like Kzoo Parks’ All Things Possible, they have helped create over 50 youth art installations around Kalamazoo, fostering creativity and confidence among participants.
Roeder, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at Western Michigan University, plans to integrate her passion for art into therapy practices, aiming to enhance interpersonal dynamics through collaborative art projects. “Art can be a powerful tool for connection,” she noted, reflecting on the impact of their work.
This summer, the couple organized a community mural installation in Bridgman, where 100 participants came together to paint four large panels, demonstrating the power of collective creativity. “It’s rewarding to see individuals who initially felt uncreative find their flow,” Roeder shared.
In addition to their work with Dream Scene, both Vasilaushas and Roeder maintain individual art practices. Roeder explores collages and acrylics on a larger scale, while Vasilaushas focuses on portraiture, blending photography and oil painting to reflect family narratives.
To learn more about their ongoing projects or to view their art, visit dreamsceneplacemaking.com or follow them on Instagram at @dreamscene_placemaking. Roeder and Vasilaushas are not just transforming Kalamazoo’s landscape; they are cultivating a vibrant community through the power of public art and collaboration.
Stay tuned for exciting developments as this couple continues to inspire and uplift their community one mural at a time.
