As part of our summer-long mural exhibit, Artisans at the Arboretum, The Dawes Arboretum is proud to showcase the work of nine talented artists who have brought their creativity to our grounds. In this Meet the Artist series, we’re highlighting the people behind the paintings—learning more about their inspiration, process, and what their murals mean to them. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Carly Mitchell, whose mural Beautiful Biodiversity can be found along the South Auto Tour just past the magnolias.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist?
Art has played a big role in my life since I was a kid, which led me to take many art classes, attend art school, and eventually become who I am today. I always had a dream to become a full-time fine artist but changed career paths along the way to become a graphic designer. After a decade working as a full-time graphic designer, I made the leap to freelancing full-time so I could focus on larger scale creative projects, like murals and public art! I love working directly with communities and clients to create site-specific work that’s both visually exciting and meaningful to the people who experience it every day.
2. How would you describe your artistic style or the themes you explore in your work?
My background in graphic design definitely influences my approach to composition and color. My work includes bold graphics, dynamic shapes, and vibrant colors.
3. What inspired your mural for Artisans at The Arboretum?
I was inspired by the incredible biodiversity at The Arboretum. It’s home to many living things coexisting in one space with some even having symbiotic relationships. From Sassafras and Burr Oak leaves to butterflies and praying mantises, I played with the fun organic shapes found in nature to create a dynamic composition.
4. Did the location or landscape of The Dawes Arboretum influence your piece in any way?
Absolutely. Dawes is such a beautiful expansive place, and I wanted the mural to feel like it belonged there. The design itself was intentionally created to extend past the frame to visually blend into the surrounding landscape. That sense of blending helps connect the mural with the nature around it, rather than feeling like a separate, contained piece.
5. Can you walk us through your creative process from concept to completion?
My process always begins with making lists and sketching no matter what I’m creating. For this specific design, I listed everything I loved about Dawes when it comes to the theme “nature” and immediately knew I wanted to create a mural that centered around biodiversity. After my sketch was drawn, I added color and made plans for the leaf extensions. The leaves that extend past the mural frame are made with plywood; I cut them with a jigsaw and then used a reciprocating saw to cut into the frame to make the leaves fit. During the mural installation, I mixed all of the custom paint colors. Once I cut and reattached the frame pieces that fit around the leaves, I had to color match the frame. This mural really combined my three favorite things – painting, puzzles, and woodworking!
6. What was the most rewarding or challenging part of working on this project?
The most rewarding part of working on this project was getting to be at The Arboretum. There’s something special about painting outside surrounded by trees, birds, and fresh air – it keeps me grounded and relaxed. The biggest challenge was the weather. With outdoor murals, you’re always on nature’s schedule, which feels poetic for a project like this.
7. What do you hope visitors take away from seeing your mural?
As always, I hope visitors find joy in seeing my mural. Also, I hope my mural teaches visitors about The Arboretum, such as the vast biodiversity that exists among the trees. From salamanders that lay eggs in the cypress swamp to the native flowers that give pollinators a home, Dawes is a home to some incredible wildlife.
8. Where can people see more of your work or connect with you online?
You can find me most active on Instagram @c.e.mitchell_design. My website also includes my work, https://cemitchelldesign.com/. Drop me a DM on Instagram or fill out my website contact form to get in touch. I’m currently booking fall and winter murals!
We’re grateful to Carly Mitchell for sharing her time and talent with our Arboretum community. Be sure to stop by along the South Auto Tour just past the magnolias, during your next visit to see her work up close—and experience how art, nature and history come together in this one-of-a-kind exhibit. Artisans at the Arboretum runs through September 20.