Artist Spotlight: Baylee Roberson Reflects on a Year at WAV

When Baylee joined WAV at the start of January 2025, she brought with her exactly what our events team needed: a talent for dreaming up the perfect creative project at just the right moment, sharp organizational and creative thinking skills, and the drive to take an idea and run with it. Over the past year, she’s taken WAV’s community programming to new heights, all while fixing the printer when no one else could and never forgetting to bring snacks to the function. As Baylee prepares to take their next step, exactly one year to the day after joining us, I’m so proud to introduce this spotlight on them. Baylee is an incredible artist, amazing person, and someone I’ve been truly lucky to work alongside.

We sat down with Baylee for a video interview and written Q&A to hear about their artistry, experience at WAV, and future plans in their own words.

"There is creativity inside of all of us and we are stronger together. Always."

Artist Q&A with Baylee Roberson

How would you describe your art and creative style?

I love exploring different mediums, but I am often drawn to mediums that are traditionally considered “craft” such as (sewing, embroidery, crochet) and combining them with fine art methods I learned in school such as painting and printmaking. All my art is very hands on, and I connect with tactile processes such as printing and carving by hand, hand sewing, etc. Especially in an era where AI is becoming more sophisticated and is being forced into our society at an increasing rate, now more than ever I find it important to connect with what makes us human. For me that is creating with my hands and mind.  

As for my subject matter, I am often using art as a tool to explore my own feelings, ideas, and sense of self. My work is often an exploration of human identity. That being said, my work is mostly stylized and figurative. I love drawing and sculpting in my unique style, whether it is in painting or mixed media sculpture. Visually, my work often has a bright color pallet with neon colors. Right now, I’m learning how to bead, and I hope to make some small, beaded tapestries.  

Niche subcultures have always been a huge inspiration for me, whether that be media, fashion, or music subcultures. Stay weird! 

When did you first start creating art? Since I first had conscious thoughts! I am very grateful to my mother, who has always supported me and encouraged me to explore my passions since I was a young child. She enrolled me in community art classes at an early age, and I kept that passion throughout my life. 

As many people relate to, the way that I’ve been creative has changed throughout my life, but whenever I felt imposter syndrome creeping in the support of my friends and family has always put me back on the path of pursuing a career in the arts.   

Who has been an important mentor to you, and why? 

Jean Pitman. She selected me as an intern at the Wexner Center for the Arts in the Learning & Public Programs department while I was in college. She saw potential in me and took a chance on me; in doing so she changed my life and the trajectory of my career.

At that time, I was still studying Theatre, but it wasn’t fulfilling me in the way I wanted. Working under her, I saw the power of creative community programs in action, and learned valuable skills as an educator. Words can’t describe how special of a person she is. I still go to her for advice, and she is always willing to help me out. She leads with grace, humility, and doesn’t compromise her beliefs or her commitment to those she serves. I wouldn’t be where I am without her. Thank you, Jean!  

How have you grown personally and professionally during your time working at WAV? 

I have grown exponentially since starting at WAV this January. WAV took a chance on me and let me spread my wings, achieving things I didn’t know I could do. From program management, to planning a massive 200+ person festival with dozens of partners that helped make it happen. In 2025, we were able to touch the lives of 2025 people! (Yes, this is a real metric, we double checked.) WAV gave me a chance to be a leader and change-maker, and I am so grateful. Thank you for letting me be a part of this work.  

How does WAV's mission relate to your personal values? 

WAV’s Mission of ‘healing communities through creative expression’ aligns deeply with my personal beliefs that everyone deserves meaningful and access to art and creative experiences, regardless of their background or abilities. I have seen countless moments of firsthand experiences seeing individuals discover and explore their own creativity in ways they didn’t think were possible for them.  

Can you think of a time creative expression helped you heal? 

Whenever I don’t know where to turn, my sketchbook is always there for me. Art was a poignant tool for me when I was in those awkward adolescent years. My sketchbook was a safe place for me to draw or say or feel anything that I wanted to, and it was all I did in-between classes or during study halls. It was also a tool for me to find other kids with common interests, turning the page to an old artwork and a classmate seeing it has blossomed into lifelong friendships. Now it allows me to connect with my contemporaries in even deeper ways!  

What was your favorite WAV moment from this year? Lift All Voices was a highlight from my experience at WAV. It was a huge summer festival and celebration of all things WAV, I had never planned or executed an event that large before, so it was a large undertaking. During the planning of this event we also said goodbye to our amazing former Executive Director, Nicholas D’Andrea, so we had to be flexible with our planning.  

I can’t lie, I was incredibly nervous in the days leading up to the event- but it ended up going perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, our musicians and artists were amazing, and our community members had a great time mingling and dancing.  

My favorite piece of the LAV puzzle was our Community Art Exhibition. We curated a small selection of artists to collaborate and uplift other organizations in Columbus. This was my favorite part of the project because it embodied what makes WAV work: Collaboration. Watching the staff and artists work together to create a shared vision that represented the organization and how the artist relates to the org’s mission was like seeing the lightning being captured in the bottle. Sometimes all you need to make magic happen is to get the right people together!  

Thank you to everyone who was involved in helping make that day happen, including Jeremy and Nicoll from CRIS, Charlotte McGraw and all of the staff and artists from Goodwill Art Studio, Kenia LaMarr and the staff at Kaleidoscope Youth Center, and Pilgrim Kambitsch and the Highland Youth Garden Staff.  

Can you share what made working at WAV special for you?

One of the most special things about WAV is our staff. Getting to know them all day to day has been a great pleasure. The amount of talent and diversity we have within our staff is insane, each of them are their own Swiss Army Knife of skills, talents, and personality. You will never meet a better crew!  

How did your experience with the youth programming shape your time at WAV?

The history and root of WAV lies in our youth programming. I had the pleasure of getting to know some of our youth participants in our afterschool program, WAV Club. Our coaches help these students develop skills and pursue their passions. There are so many funny small moments I’ve had with these kids, but one of my favorites is being affectionately referred to as “emo girl”.  

What is your favorite Columbus staple?

Tensuke Japanese Market! I love getting fresh onigiri and sushi from the market, or ramen in the colder months. If you go, also stop by Belle’s Bread and get a matcha latte with a pastry of your choice; you won’t regret it.  

Here in Columbus, we are spoiled with amazing food. I’m very thankful for the diversity of Columbus that has led us to have such a strong food scene, especially our immigrant population. 

What are your plans for the future?  

I hope to work on developing my artwork and focusing on preparing my portfolio to attend an MFA Studio Art program. I hope to eventually go on to teach in higher education and further my role as an educator, as it is a great passion of mine. I love working with students.  

To wrap things up, here’s a lightning round of fun facts about Baylee!

What is one fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I can make a cloverleaf with my tongue, which according to Colgate.com only 14.7% of the population can do

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? 

Not the most exciting answer- but... Sleep in late, eat a pastry for breakfast, and spend time with my amazing partner. Preferably without stepping foot outside my house.  

What’s your comfort show? 

Neon Genisis Evangelion. This is not your average comfort show, so watch at your own risk. To me, it is a masterclass of character development and realistic depictions of trauma. I always go to it when I need a push to remind me to keep going and that life is worth living.  

What type of music do you like or what's on your current playlist? 

I’ve been obsessed with Breakcore and rediscovering 90’s jungle. Something about the punchy electronic drum and bass get me in the zone. Check out Hazardous Bubble Basics by Golemm or RePorpoised Phantasies by Machine Girl. They’re short and sweet! Machine Girl got me though my Bachelor’s degree.  

What is your Zodiac sign? 

I’m a Capricorn, so I’m a winter baby! Do with that information what you will, Tiera thinks it fits me, and I trust her.  

Is there anything else you want people to know about you? 

Follow me on Instagram @peachybaylee to keep up with me! I love community art and teaching, let’s create together! Check out some of my work on my website here.  

Thank you Baylee for sharing your heart and talents with us! We can't wait to see all that you do.