Help Us Build Roanoke’s New Creative Hub

We’re opening the doors ... now let’s fill the studio with the tools, tables, equipment, and supplies that will power a thriving community art space.

About Art Project Roanoke

Art Project Roanoke is a brand new 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts center led by Roanoke fine artist Ann Glover—a pillar of the region’s creative community. Ann is a co-founder of Market Gallery and the Open Studios Tour, an annual citywide event that brings hundreds of visitors into artists’ working spaces. Her work spans decades, from mixed-media pieces to cherished public art, including the whimsical Trojan dog statue outside the Grandin firehouse. Throughout her career, Ann has helped shape Roanoke’s creative landscape through her artistry, mentorship, and commitment to making art accessible to all.

With Ann at the helm, Art Project Roanoke is transforming a donated historic space at 101 Campbell Ave SW into a warm, vibrant, community-driven art hub—with affordable studios upstairs and a flexible workshop/gallery space downstairs for classes, demos, events, and creative gatherings.

We believe Roanoke deserves a place where meaningful creativity is accessible to everyone: parents, kids, hobbyists, artists, neighbors, and downtown visitors alike. We believe creativity and collaboration contribute to a more inviting downtown—one where people feel connected, engaged, and proud to belong. And we believe spaces like this help build a safer, stronger, more inspired community for generations to come.

Now, we’re asking the community to help us bring this vision fully to life.

Why We’re Raising $25,000

We’ve got the space.
We’ve got the energy.
We’ve got the volunteers.
We’ve got the vision.

Now we need the tools and equipment to make it real.

Your gift helps us Stock the Studio with:

1. Movable Gallery Walls — $10,000

Custom modular gallery walls that allow us to transform the space for exhibitions, workshops, and community events.

2. Tables, Chairs, Shelving & Storage — $2,500

Workshop tables, event tables, shelving units, supply storage, and organization systems.

3. Art Equipment + Workshop Supplies — $5,000

Easels, drying racks, cutting mats
Printmaking tools, carving tools, scissors, trimmers
Paper, inks, paints, stamps, demo materials
Glue guns, collage materials
Safety + cleanup supplies

4. Studio Fixtures (Lighting, Signage, Projector/TV, Sound) — $3,000

LED gallery/track lighting
Exterior + interior signage
Projector or large monitor for classes
Portable sound setup for events

5. Gathering Area Seating (Couches, Rugs, Coffee Tables) — $1,800

Comfortable pieces for a warm, welcoming creative hub.

6. Gallery + Event Needs (Display Items, Carts, Racks) — $1,500

Pedestals, display risers, rolling racks, utility carts, table linens, small exhibition hardware.

7. Office / Administrative / Marketing — $1,200

Covers first-year essentials, including:

Booking/registration software
Email marketing tools
Basic marketing assets
Printing, signage updates
Admin platforms needed for programming and communications

Every dollar goes directly into building a fully functional, community-ready creative space.

What Your Donation Makes Possible

Even the smallest gift becomes something big:

A mom brings her kids to their first art demo
A downtown visitor walks in during Art by Night and discovers Roanoke’s creativity
A retiree learns a new craft in a low-cost workshop
An artist hosts their first public class
A teenager finds confidence in making something with their hands
A neighbor stops in and feels connected again