Canvas to community

Nearly a decade ago, visual arts major Jalisa Robinson ’16 curated her first art exhibition as a student. As a part of UD’s Arts and Social Practice class with her professor, Glenna Jennings, the topic centered on food injustice locally in Dayton through collaboration with local grocer Gem City Market, located near downtown.

Now, 10 years later, Robinson is still raising awareness through her art. She featured her art again in Gem City Market's eighth art exhibition, The People’s Bodega, which was held last December. But this time, Robinson created her art as an engaged community member and Gem City Market staffer.

“I want to tell the story of Dayton and the community and how it has come together to make this possible,” she said. The Dayton native added that the initiative means so much to the community and aligns with her artistic vision.

Following graduation from UD in 2016, Robinson wanted to deepen her commitment to Dayton by getting job with Gem City Market. But scoring a full-time gig was challenging.

“I didn’t get in right away,” she said. “I moved across the street … and I said to myself that no matter what, I have to get in, somehow, someway.”

Established in 2015 by local residents, Gem City Market is a community-owned grocery store founded to provide Dayton residents with healthy and affordable food options. Nestled along the Salem Avenue corridor, it is in a this area of Dayton was deemed by local officials as a “food desert” — an area where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, especially fresh produce. 

In its infancy, the market did not have many paid positions. So, on its one-year anniversary, Robinson made a move. “I just went over there and asked if I could volunteer, and I never looked back.”

After several months, Robinson became a familiar and friendly face to staff and customers alike. She secured the next available paid position thanks to the relationships she had built. 

“[It was] definitely one of the best decisions I have made in my life … to walk over there and volunteer,” she said.

Robinson is now the deli and bakery manager at Gem City Market. In this position, she has been able to provide affordable options in the deli and give treats to the community through the bakery because “everyone needs a little sweetness in their lives,” she said.

“Today it has grown so big and beautiful,” she said of the market. 

As a lifetime Daytonian, Robinson said she has been able to document its ebbs and flows through her primary art form — photography.

“My art represents my love for the city of Dayton and my love for Gem City Market," she said. "My photos reflect the Dayton cityscape in its natural state, as well as my daily interactions at the market including candid customer moments, memories with my coworkers or the shining Gem City itself.” 

Robinson said she has witnessed the city’s evolution firsthand. 

“It used to be seen as a dying city, but I have always seen Dayton in a different way,” she said. “I feel that my art really reflects my love for the city and ties into why I am so passionate about Gem City [Market] and the people we help through it.”

Having spent two years now working her dream job, Robinson said she has loved participating in ending a food desert in her area of Dayton, all while putting smiles on the faces of those within the amazing Dayton community. And she promises, it’s not a mirage.

Photos courtesy of Gem City Market.