Artist Spotlight: Roberta Melzl
In continuing the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture mission of ensuring inclusive and accessible art for all, this week’s featured artist is Roberta Melzl with the Springfield Avenue Maplewood Public Art Program. Residents can safely enjoy public art while outdoors, maintaining physical distance.
Nest and Flight, 4’W x 6’H, paint on canvas
Location: Maplewood Memorial Library (Hilton Branch), 1688 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ, 2019
“Nest and Flight symbolizes the retreat that is a library. Like a library, a nest indicates a protected place, a shelter that offers comfort and fosters growth and learning within our community. Inspired by wallpaper and decorative tiles, both the background of the mural and nest floor evoke feelings of solace and security in their reference to home decor. The origami birds signify community while also referencing a typical library activity room project. Origami birds directly reference paper, the material used in their making, the material that is ubiquitous to the books a library houses. Additionally, a symbolic device found in many children’s stories is the golden egg. Although its symbolism can vary, the golden egg often alludes to growth, evolution, and rejuvenation, all of which a library encourages and facilitates.” — Roberta Melzl
From Forest to Grid, 25”W x 10”H, paint on canvas
The Gateway Project, 9 West South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ, 2015
Close Up: From Forest to Grid, 25”W x 10”H, paint on canvas The Gateway Project, South Orange, NJ, 2015
“Advancements and developments in science, technology, advertising and art, as well as in other technical and cultural realms, doubtlessly alter world view. Perception, knowledge and understanding evolve as new elements are introduced into the scheme of what is known. My work investigates the construction of visual knowledge and inquires into the ways vision, perception and recognition change.”
— Roberta Melzl
Shrub, 4’h x 7.5’w x 9’d, vinyl on glass astroturf
University Galleries, William Patterson University, Wayne, NJ, 2007
Close up: Shrub, 4’h x 7.5’w x 9’d, vinyl on glass astroturf
University Galleries, William Patterson University, Wayne, NJ, 2007
“Created from an accumulation of sources, the work is built to form a reshaping of real-world imagery. It is characterized by the incorporation of various systems of visual representation, embracing such elements as technology, architecture, nature, design and media. Functional objects, graphical patterns and natural elements are incorporated into a new whole. A combination of influences and references, the work is witness to multiple viewpoints. Such work provides a reflection and translation of our present world.” — Roberta Melzl
Roberta Melzl is an artist and designer living in Maplewood, NJ. Roberta earned a Master of Fine Arts from Rutgers University, and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Studio Art from New York University. As a designer she works in publishing, media and the non-profit sector. As a painter and installation artist she exhibits widely and has received numerous awards and commissions.
Insects, Reptile, Blooms, 5.5’W x 7’H, vinyl on plexiglass
Windows on Valley, Valley Street & Village Plaza, South Orange, NJ, 2018
Roberta has exhibited at various galleries including Blue Hill Art & Cultural Center, Pearl River, NY: Proto Gallery, Hoboken, NJ; The Annex at White Box, NYC; City Without Walls, Newark, NJ; Seton Hall University, Newark, NJ; domo gallery, Summit, NJ; New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ; Stella Maris Gallery, University of New England, Biddeford, ME; Heistand Galleries at Miami University, Oxford, OH; Mastel+Mastel Gallery, Brooklyn, NY; Tomasulo Gallery, Union College, Cranford, NJ; among others.
Installations include WALK-BYE, Jersey City, NJ; Solo at Dineen Hull Gallery, Hudson County Community College, Jersey City, NJ; Windows on Valley, South Orange, NJ; The Gateway, South Orange, NJ; Jersey City Museum, Jersey City, NJ; William Patterson University, Wayne, NJ; Bronx River Art Center, Bronx, NY; The Garage, Jersey City, NJ; Brunswick Window, Jersey City, NJ; and at Hudson County Art Supply, Jersey City, NJ.
Roberta has taught at PRATT Center for Continuing and Professional Studies, NYC; Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ; The Art School at Old Church, Demarest, NJ; and was a Guest Lecturer at Penn State University, College Park, PA.
Awards include a Dodge Foundation Fellowship to Vermont Studio Center; 2006 New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship; Abbey Mural Workshop Fellowship at the National Academy of Art NYC; Residency Scholarship, Idyllwild Arts Summer Program, Palm Springs, CA; and Resident Artist, Studios Midwest, Galesburg, IL.
Roberta shares her experience with the Springfield Avenue Partnership and the Springfield Avenue Public Art Initiative: “I’m grateful to Springfield Avenue Art Initiative for bringing public art to Springfield Avenue. It’s a vibrant avenue and making artwork accesible to the public adds to the spirit of the neighborhood.”
Close Up: Chain Link Brocade, 5.5’W x 7’H, vinyl on plexiglass
Windows on Valley, Valley Street & Village Plaza, South Orange, NJ, 2017
Chain Link Brocade, 5.5’W x 7’H, vinyl on plexiglass
Windows on Valley, Valley Street & Village Plaza, South Orange, NJ, 2017
Close Up: Of Trellis and Field, 6’W x 7’H, wallpaper, contact paper, tape, ornamental butterflies
Dineen Hull Gallery, Hudson County Community College, Jersey City, NJ, 2019
Of Trellis and Field, 6’W x 7’H, wallpaper, contact paper, tape, ornamental butterflies
Dineen Hull Gallery, Hudson County Community College, Jersey City, NJ, 2019
Close Up: Of Construction and Recollection, 96”W x 84”H, paint, electrical tape
The Garage Gallery, Jersey City, NJ, 2006
Of Construction and Recollection, 96”W x 84”H, paint, electrical tape
The Garage Gallery, Jersey City, NJ, 2006
Patterned Landscape, 3.5”W x 11”H, wallpaper
Brunswick Garage Wall, Jersey City, NJ, 2005
Close Up: Patterned Landscape, 3.5”W x 11”H, wallpaper
Brunswick Garage Wall, Jersey City, NJ, 2005
Roberta Melzl
roberta@robertamelzl.com
Instagram: @robertamelzl
www.robertamelzl.com
(website currently being updated as of 9/23/20)
All photos by Roberta Melzl
The Springfield Avenue Partnership Public Art Initiative is working to bring art and visual interest to Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, NJ. Initially, we are working to bring murals to buildings and decorate the utility boxes along the avenue in the Spring of 2018. Over time we plan to bring additional art projects to the avenue in order to attract area residents to enjoy all that Springfield Avenue has to offer: food, retail shops, service businesses, cultural events, and more! Special thanks to our first Public Art sponsors: Wine Barrel and Maplewood Crossing | Elite Properties. To keep up to date with the Springfield Avenue Public Art Initiative please like our Facebook page: Springfield Avenue Public Art and our Instagram Page @publicart_sam.