Graham Projects is excited to welcome artist Isabelle Conover (she/her) as our in-house Communications Specialist! Isabelle started with Graham Projects as an assistant art installer in fall of 2022, and is now leverage her numerous design and communications talents to help us Make Place Happen. She is supporting our process of community-based design by creating project outreach graphics, planning our future social media campaigns, helping with in-person engagement, and continuing to assist with installation.
We asked Isabelle a few questions about their personal mission, proudest achievements, their work at Graham Projects, and what placemaking/public art projects they’d love to work on.
What got you interested in working with Graham Projects?
I’ve always been obsessed with painting BIG. I loved the idea of murals, but had never seen anything like the horizontal street murals Graham Projects had been creating. I loved GP’s message of “Make Place Happen” and knew I wanted to be a part of their work. I was put in touch with Graham Coreil-Allen through a mutual friend, aided the GP team with installs in the Fall of 2022, and then was lucky enough to continue to be a part of Graham Projects beyond that!
What’s your guiding principle for everything you work on?
Keep an open mind to other people’s situations. Everyone is going through something, whether it be big or small, so be kind and show appreciation for the little things that they do! It’ll go a long way.
What’s one of your proudest achievements?
During the pandemic, I started a small business that sold handmade tapestries with positive affirmations on it. It was something I was proud of because I was able to use my creativity to help others create an uplifting environment in a rough time.
What are you excited to do with Graham Projects?
I am excited to see more and more GP projects pop up throughout Baltimore and even beyond the city. I think the work that Graham Projects produces brings a sense of wonder to the people who see it for the first time. Watching people see an install in the works, or a project that’s just been completed, is such a rewarding feeling.
What are some of your dream projects? Is there a concept that you’d love to execute in collaboration with Graham Projects?
A community wide art scavenger hunt! I think it would be a cool concept to have a trail of street art installations that have clues that lead to each other throughout a certain area. The project could even include local small businesses, that way people could enjoy the art, go for a nice stroll, and find new spots around town!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy oil & acrylic painting, going to figure drawing sessions at a local studio, yoga, farmers markets, and going on hikes with my two dogs!
How can folks find out more about your personal creative ventures?
I can be found at @lerouxcreative on instagram & tiktok.