Painted by Katrina Legans, under the 10th Street bridge is the “Lick Run Tunnel of Love,” a mural dedicated to Dorothy Brown and Hazel Robertson who were public figures in the northwest neighborhood. As mentioned on the placard at the Brown-Robertson Park, “Brown was a taxi driver who gave free rides during emergencies and Hazel Robertson was a daycare attendant known to provide free childcare to families who needed it.” Both died during the flooding brought in by Hurricane Juan in 1985, Brown-Robertson Park was established in 2002 which is dedicated in their honor.

Legans also said that the mural is a community-based project.
Before she started painting the mural, Legans spent several weeks researching and interviewing people around the neighborhood for ideas to implement into her mural. Legans stated, “the goal of this whole thing is to bring together people, and celebrate community, diversity, culture, abundance … celebrating what we have.” Katrina also invited community members to paint alongside her while she worked on the mural. “Art brings people together,” Legans said. “This is just a way, and a tool, for us to utilize to be able to bridge the gap with all communities. Not just northwest. Southwest, southeast and northeast.”

About the artist:
Katrina Legans is a local artist from Roanoke, VA. She is known for her portraits and clothing which she loves to make for friends. Legans has also done a few indoor murals around the area. Visit her Instagram at: kthecreativ

Sourced from:
The Roanoke Times: Roanoke Artists Hope Murals Inspire Community Change