Location: Exterior at YMCA Gainsboro, 108 Orange Ave NW

Through the collaboration of local artists Bryce Cobbs and Cameron Stallings, the mural at the YMCA Gainsboro represents the history of the Gainsboro YMCA and its dedication to the community. This mural was a partnership between the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the Roanoke Arts Commission. Funding came from Roanoke’s Percent for Art Program and the City’s Artist in Residence program through the participation of Jon Murrill in developing the project and coaching the team.

The mural tells the story of the YMCA’s commitment to the Northwest Roanoke community since its beginning. Gainsboro YMCA’s Branch Executive, Johnathan Pait, hopes the mural will teach the history of the Gainsboro YMCA, which has been a foundation of the community since 1928. The mural starts with the establishment of the Hunton YMCA in 1928, where activities and programs engaged African American families for many years. Then the mural progresses to the YMCA’s move to its current location at the corner of Gainsboro and Patton Avenue in 1941. The national integration of YMCA memberships in 1964 is also depicted.

The mural pays tribute to WWII veteran A.L. Holland, who was a significant figure at the YMCA. As a lifelong advocate, Holland served on the board and helped to shape the YMCA’s future. One of his most notable efforts was the creation of the Annual Father-Son Banquet which allows dads to bond with their sons. The other faces that are in the mural represent those in the community. As Bryce Cobbs stated, “it’s just important to be able to see yourself, see a piece of yourself being represented in your own neighborhood.” Stallings added, “with such a historically rich neighborhood with so many amazing figures it’s very important that we take the time to make sure that they’re seen, represented, heard and celebrated.”

About the artist:
Bryce Cobbs is an artist from Roanoke, Va. Since he was young, he has had a passion for art that continues to thrive. Cobbs keeps to a common theme in his work of celebrating the beauty and vitality of Black life. Each piece, created with this personal goal in mind, highlights his technical skill with a variety of mediums while conveying strong messages. Learn more about his work at ​ArtByBryce

Local artist J.C. Stallings was first inspired to create by his middle school art teacher. Now as a middle school art teacher himself at Lucy Addison Middle School, Stallings shows young people every day that they, too, can make art. Learn more about J.C. Stallings on his instagram at ​@JCStallingsart

Sourced from:
​"Gainsboro YMCA Celebrates Community History with New Mural"
​"New Gainsboro mural celebrates the community"
​The Roanoker: "A Colorful Tribute"
​"Gainsboro YMCA adds New Mural to Highlight its History"