Spotlight on an Artist
By Jean Fiske
The stage is empty, silent. Before the curtains part, before the lights blaze, before the actors take their places, there’s an artist at work, transforming this empty stage into a world of magic: the scenic theatre artist. Kelly Roberts is one such artist, whose amazing talents bring shows to life for Off Broadway Players.
Scenic art is a complicated form of art. Many artists paint what they are comfortable with. Often you can tell what art piece belongs to which artist from the theme you see on canvas; however, this is not so with a scenic artist. An artist who works on scenes for theatre can be asked to paint anything from full scale mountains to very tiny detail on tiles.
I had a great time talking to Kelly about her art. Kelly and I have been friends for many years. Our children grew up together and we spent a lot of time doing things as families. Although I knew she was an amazing artist, I had never fully delved into her background in art.
I first noticed Kelly’s talent when the church both our families attended built a new building and she painted a mural on the wall of the nursery. Her work was amazing!
Kelly told me that she doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t enjoy art. She took art classes in school, as well as outside of school. When asked about artistic influences in her life, Kelly said that her high school art teacher was very encouraging and urged her to keep up with her art. She always gave positive feedback to her students.
Kelly isn’t an artist who pulls out a canvas and paints. She needs an outlet for her art and The Off Broadway Players provides her with that outlet. Eight years ago, my husband and I started working with the musical at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School. At that point, Kelly helped paint sets because her granddaughter Maggie was part of the cast. Kelly told me that Maggie has been a big encouragement to her, as her art has helped make shows come to life!
As Off Broadway Players grew, so did the need for bigger sets. Six years ago, Kelly joined our then artist Linda Jones in doing sets for us. She said she was very excited, but nervous at first; however, she quickly felt at home through the kindness of everyone at OBP. It wasn’t long before she realized that OPB is a family, and she feels very much a part of that family. She said that everyone involved with each show is so welcoming. The sense of community she feels when working with OBP is one of her favorite things. Something she loves the most is the wonderful relationship between OBP and JFHMS. The administration and staff at the middle school are all very supportive of the theatre and that support makes a huge difference for all of us.
When asked how her style has changed over the years, Kelly said that she has realized that there is beauty in simplicity. For her, art is relaxing, a time when, no matter what is going on in life, she feels joy and peace. Painting is a calming, spiritual journey that helps her collect her thoughts.
Kelly asked that I emphasize how much of a blessing it is to be a volunteer in a community as wonderful as Broadway. Her heart feels full when she’s working to make a show come to life. She wants to thank The OPB for making her feel so welcome; Linda Jones for her mentorship in the beginning; and her family for their love and support of her passion of serving the community, The OBP and JFHMS.
Kelly Roberts is one of many people who volunteer their time working tirelessly to bring The Off Broadway Players’ shows to life.
Our next production will be The Wizard of Oz July 25th, 26th, 27th and August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. What do our set volunteers have in store for this show? Be sure to come and see. Do you want to volunteer to share your talent on or off stage? Just visit our website www.offbroadwayplayersva.org for more information.
