UPDATE: A dynamic couple is revolutionizing the public art scene in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with over 50 murals completed in just six years. Erik Vasilaushas and Anna Lee Roeder, co-founders of Dream Scene Placemaking, are on a mission to beautify their community, and their impact is being felt right now.
Since their first local project—a vibrant refresh of Kik Pool in 2019—the couple has transformed spaces across Southwest Michigan, from Kalamazoo to Bridgman, Vicksburg, and Prairie Ronde Township. Their artistic endeavors extend beyond the region, with murals showcased in international locations such as Bali, Greece, Mexico City, and Miami.
The couple’s journey began when they met during a performance art event at a major music festival in 2012. Their shared passion for creativity has blossomed into a vibrant local movement, culminating in stunning projects including a striking mural at Bell’s Eccentric Café and a large exterior wall at Factory Coffee.
“There is such a thrill in making a mark and changing the way the community looks,” Vasilaushas stated, emphasizing the emotional connection they forge through art. Their collaborative approach has not only garnered attention but also engaged local businesses eager for revitalization.
Alongside their murals, they spearheaded the impactful “We are Edison” project in 2017, resulting in 100 portraits of local residents displayed prominently along Portage Road and in Washington Square. This initiative highlights the area’s diversity and fosters community pride.
In 2019, they launched the City Snaps project, where residents captured moments around Kalamazoo using disposable cameras. The resulting photographs were transformed into vinyl-wrapped utility boxes, enhancing public spaces with personal stories.
“Our mission extends beyond beautification,” Roeder asserted. “We aim to give agency and inspire others to create.” Their dedication to community engagement is evident in their collaborative projects, including leading workshops for high school students that have resulted in over 50 youth art installations across the city.
Reflecting on their creative partnership, Roeder shared insights from their first mural project in Greece, highlighting how teamwork can reveal interpersonal dynamics. “Since then, we’ve built a lot of tools, becoming a much more well-oiled machine,” she added.
Their commitment to fostering creativity extends to collaborations with local youth programs, like Kzoo Parks’ All Things Possible, which empowers young artists to explore their talents. “We hope to plant seeds of confidence and inspire future muralists,” Roeder noted.
While Roeder pursues a master’s degree in counseling at Western Michigan University, she integrates her artistic journey with her academic pursuits. She aims to use art as a therapeutic tool in family therapy, blending creativity with mental health support.
Vasilaushas currently balances his work at the W.E. Upjohn Institute with artistic projects, teaching, and family life with their four-year-old son, August. Both artists continue to nurture their individual practices while contributing to the community through Dream Scene.
To explore their transformative work, visit dreamsceneplacemaking.com or follow them on Instagram at @dreamscene_placemaking. Roeder can be found at @annaleeroeder and Vasilaushas at @rickyloveslikes.
As their projects continue to evolve, Vasilaushas and Roeder remain dedicated to enriching Kalamazoo’s cultural landscape, inspiring creativity, and bringing people together through art. Stay tuned for more updates on their impactful journey!