
Melissa A. Mitchell
Exuberantly colorful. Singularly bold. Confidently in motion. These descriptions certainly apply to Melissa A. Mitchell’s art — but are just as fitting for the artist and designer herself.
The visionary behind Abeille Creations, Mitchell creates “electrifying wearable art” in small, collectable quantities, as well as home goods and fine art prints. She has described herself as “a kaleidoscope of hope,” bringing people movement, energy and inspiration through her art — in all its forms.
And the world has taken notice. Mitchell has collaborated with AFROPUNK, Spanx, Ford, Hennessey and Foot Locker; she and her work have been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Essence and Black Enterprise.
Currently, residents of and visitors to Atlanta can see Mitchell’s art at MARTA’s Indian Creek Station: a giant mural of piano keys on a background of vividly colored abstract shapes and thick black lines, pointing the way to the station’s entrance.
In the following interview, Mitchell speaks with NEXT’s Executive Director Faith Carmichael about the creation of this mural, how Mitchell hopes her art urges people forward into change, and what it means to be part of the NEXT Movement.