Artist Melissa A. Mitchell desires to leave a lasting legacy 

Born and raised in Miami, fine artist Melissa A. Mitchell moved to Atlanta in 2007 after graduating from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Following the passing of her father, Michael A. Mitchell, in 2010, a desire to leave a lasting legacy came upon Mitchell’s soul.& “I noticed how the world mourned his loss and in that room, I said, ‘God, give me something to be remembered,'” Mitchell told The Atlanta Voice during a recent interview. Then in February amidst a snowstorm in Atlanta, Mitchell stumbled upon a box of forgotten art supplies in her garage. Wanting to create a piece of work for her recently inducted Alpha Kappa Alpha incorporated sister, Melanie, she decided to get to work. “I’m not an artist, but overnight, on February 11th, 2014, I became a painter,” Mitchell remembered. That moment marked the genesis of her artistic career. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice Mitchell says she draws inspiration from her surroundings, including patterns on carpets, designs on wallpaper, nail designs, patterns in leaves, and even the architecture of skyscrapers. She looks at the world through a different lens, constantly seeking inspiration in everyday objects and phenomena. “I really just look at the world...