Yvette Robinson was honored for 20 years of artistic and community impact at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing on August 22, 2024.
TNCPNEWS photo
EAST LANSING, MI — Yvette Robinson, a dynamic artist, designer, educator, mentor, and community leader, has left an indelible mark on the City of East Lansing. Her 20-year career was celebrated in a ceremony at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing on August 22, 2024.
Her journey began in May 1989 when she arrived to complete her graduate studies at Michigan State University. From the moment she set foot in East Lansing, Robinson immersed herself in the community, volunteering her time and talents in various capacities.
Her first foray into community involvement was with the East Lansing Michigan Festival, where she volunteered as a face painter under the children’s tent during the summer of 1989. Over the years, she took on additional roles within the festival, including check-in assistant, snack area volunteer, and backstage performer and talent assistant. Although the Michigan Festival eventually ended, Robinson’s commitment to the arts and community remained strong.
In 1999, when the National Folk Festival was launched in East Lansing, Robinson volunteered in numerous positions such as an information table assistant, souvenir sales assistant, performer’s stage assistant, set-up/tear-down crew member, and children’s tent volunteer. Her versatility and dedication earned her the nickname “Jen of all trades,” her contributions continued until the festival’s closure in 2001.
In 2000, Robinson was appointed and sworn in as an East Lansing Arts Commission member. During her time on the commission, she took on various volunteer projects and roles, including serving on the Photo Contest Steering Committee, the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival Committee, the East Lansing Film Festival, the East Lansing Art Selection Panel, the East Lansing Art Festival, and the East Lansing Great Lakes Folk Festival.
Pioneering the First Public Art Gallery in East Lansing, Creating a Lasting Legacy for Local Artists
One of Robinson’s most significant contributions to the arts community was her work on the “Gallery Project,” which sought to create an art gallery in a designated space provided by the city. Establishing an art gallery in East Lansing had been a topic of discussion for years. Still, no one had taken on the challenge until Robinson was selected by Arts Commission Chairperson Michael Sundermann in 2003. She accepted the challenge and brought the vision to life with a few dedicated individuals’ support.
Robinson shared her plans for the art gallery with the East Lansing Arts Commission members and proposed a ‘Gallery Gala’ to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Public Art Gallery. Her efforts made history when she became the first Black/African American woman to create an art gallery in the city. She also designed two striking gold and black signs for the gallery.
The Public Art Gallery held its grand opening in May 2004. The gallery provided a platform for local artists. It was the first time showing their work in any gallery for several artists. The gallery found its niche, rotating exhibits monthly and attracting a diverse audience. The gallery’s impact was so profound that by 2006, the following year was fully booked and several exhibitors were confirmed for 2008. An annual PAG Awards Program was held yearly to recognize exhibiting artists until 2021.
In addition to her work with the gallery, Robinson received the prestigious Telly Award in 2006 for her role as host and narrator for the “State of Michigan, Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), Bureau of Commercial Services, Orientation Video.” This national recognition highlighted her skills in media production, public speaking, and communication.
One of Robinson’s projects was the 2007 Centennial exhibition titled “A Step Through Time.” Commissioned by the City of East Lansing, this exhibition was inspired by conversations she had with residents, where she asked two questions: “If you could go back in time with the option of returning, what would you bring back with you?” and “What are your fondest memories of living in East Lansing?” Robinson used the responses to create an exhibit featuring two crafted 48” x 48” panels of historic life and memories of East Lansing. The exhibit also included various borrowed, purchased, and personally collected items that guests could enjoy throughout the year. The grand opening for the Centennial Exhibit was held on Sunday, February 11, 2007.
Multifaceted Talents that Shaped East Lansing’s Cultural Landscape
Robinson is also a talented public speaker, singer, actor, stage director, and media producer. She designed and constructed the Robinson Stage, which continues to be used in the community today. Over and above her daily work duties with the State of Michigan, Robinson was appointed editor and reporter for their monthly electronic newsletter, The Communicator.
Robert Belleman, East Lansing City Manager, said, “Without tireless efforts of volunteers like Yvette Robinson, whose hard work helped make this gallery possible 20 years ago, while she was serving on the Arts Commission and appointed to spearhead the project. Since then, she has worn many hats, as she has continued to contribute both to the art gallery and the city. Yvette found local artists to display their art and work closely with them throughout the process.”
Reflecting on her journey, Robinson credits her parents for encouraging her to pursue her dreams. “With such heartfelt history directly related to my personal past, it is nearly impossible not to be a trailblazer. I am always inspired by my immediate surroundings to create without questioning my God-given creative impulses,” she shared.
Robinson’s academic achievements are equally impressive, holding an Associate of Arts Degree, a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, a Master of Fine Arts Degree specializing in Theater/Speech Communications, a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications specializing in Media Arts Production, and a State of Michigan, Governor’s Management Internship.
Now, as the City of East Lansing celebrates Robinson’s 20 years at the East Lansing Public Art Gallery, it is clear that her passionate volunteering has had a transformative impact on countless lives. As she moves on to bigger and better things, Yvette leaves a legacy of creativity, community service, and cultural enrichment that will continue to inspire future generations in East Lansing and beyond.
Editor’s Note: Yvette Robinson has not slowed down, and we will be writing a piece to update our readers on what she is doing soon.
