08 June, 2021

Writer’s Retreat Design – Peek at a Project

PEEK AT A PROJECT

A Writer's Retreat - A Place to Create Change

This writer’s retreat is so much more than just the physical. Dr. Artika Tyner – author, educator, speaker, advocate and leader for social change, civil rights attorney, and Associate Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at the University of St. Thomas invited LIlu to help create this space for “artists and writers to build and reimagine the world we all want to live in” – and in time, Aya’s Place was born.
Joining many in the Twin Cities reigniting the movement for racial justice last summer, Lilu was inspired by Dr. Tyner’s vision and wanted to help bring it to life.

Ghana

The project was inspired by Dr. Tyner’s most loved places in Ghana, where much of her nonprofit work takes place, using her beautifully dyed fabric from the country as a center point. White walls, dark wood, and vibrant colors, textures, and artwork were all important to the space. Dr. Tyner calls the space Aya Place; Aya is a part of adinkra, which are visual symbols linked to the Gyaman kingdom and Ashanti culture. The word “Aya” translates as “fern”, symbolizing endurance and defiance against oppression.

A Conversation Circle

The inclusion of a round conversation table had one main goal in mind: inclusion. A round conversation table, where everyone has room to sit, speak, grow, and contribute, helps build community, create connection, and thus, create a more just world.
Beautiful, organized spaces help people do their important work and make a difference in the world. Lilu aims to create spaces where people feel safe, uplifted, and supported in the work they want to do in the world by those surrounding them. As Dr. Artika Tyner asks: “What is in your hands to make a difference in the world?”
For more information on Dr. Tyner's non-profit Planting People Growing Justice, click here.

Donations

Thanks to these vendors, this project was possible.

  • Nicole Alatar at Sherwin-Williams
    • Five gallons of Emerald Designer Edition interior paint
  • Charlie Flynn at Francis King Showroom
    • Four Lounge chairs by CR Laine
  • Brenda Scherping-Westphal at AJ Maison Showroom
    • Area rug by Dash & Albert
  • Brant McManigle at Southern Lights
    • Bathroom light fixture by Quoizel
  • Jeffrey Rogness at Contemporary Blind Design
    • Installation of discounted wood blinds
  • Hang It Inc.
    • Provided discounted art framing

For more of our pro bono work, check out this blog post!

Donations

Thanks to these vendors, this project was possible.

  • Nicole Alatar at Sherwin-Williams
    • Five gallons of Emerald Designer Edition interior paint
  • Charlie Flynn at Francis King Showroom
    • Four Lounge chairs by CR Laine
  • Brenda Scherping-Westphal at AJ Maison Showroom
    • Area rug by Dash & Albert
  • Brant McManigle at Southern Lights
    • Bathroom light fixture by Quoizel
  • Jeffrey Rogness at Contemporary Blind Design
    • Installation of discounted wood blinds
  • Hang It Inc.
    • Provided discounted art framing

For more of our pro bono work, check out this blog post!
pin-this-1

Comments on Writer’s Retreat Design – Peek at a Project
  1. Leslie Carothers says:

    I love that you did this project pro bono, Lisa. What a lovely space you’ve created for this writer’s retreat..and those textiles are wonderful!

  2. Mary Ann Benoit says:

    Beautiful space and sound s like a wonderful concept and project.

  3. Janet R Lorusso says:

    What a wonderful project, Lisa! I love this concept and the work being done!

  4. Amy Wax says:

    What a comforting room to enjoy spending time in, I especially love the fabrics and art in the room! Well done.

Please share a comment!