Opening on February 21 at the Mayor’s Gallery at City Hall, “Views From My Kaleidoscope: Volume II” is the sequel to artist Melissa A. Mitchell’s original compilation of quotes, mantras, and beliefs that fuel her art, spirit and optimistic outlook.
A self-taught artist, entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, Mitchell was born and raised in Miami, where her love for the vibrant colors, unique shapes, and bold dark lines that adorn her artwork took root. She attributes her artistic aesthetic to her music-filled and vibrant Bahamian heritage and upbringing.
In 2014, she founded Abeille Creations and began her journey in the world of abstract art. Since then, Mitchell has gone on to create more than 500 original artworks and 40 large-scale murals. She has also been featured in publications such as Forbes, Vogue, ESSENCE, SHEEN Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine and The Huffington Post.
Most notably, she is known for turning her lively artwork into textiles, specifically head wraps named after influential women in her life. Her head wraps have been seen on the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Amara La Negra, Yandy Smith, Karen Civil, Rebecca Gross and more. She is also the author of a coffee table book, “Views from My Kaleidoscope”.
Her unique artistry has made her a highly sought-after creative, who has worked with major brands for exclusive collaborations and commissioned artwork. She was a featured artist for Champs Sports and Nike’s “Ill-ustrated” sneaker exhibition during Miami Art Basel, Jack Daniel’s Art, Beats and Lyrics showcase and ESSENCE’s “My City, 4 Ways” tour stop in Atlanta.
The Mayor’s Gallery at City Hall is a municipal gallery operated by the City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting the works of accomplished Atlanta-based artists who have yet to garner gallery representation or receive major recognition for their artwork.
The Mayor’s Gallery resides on the second floor of City Hall near the entrance of the Mayor’s Executive Suite. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.