12 Campbell is a contemporary art gallery focusing on national and regional artists located in the cultural hub of the Southwest Virginia region- downtown Roanoke Virginia, a city vital to a growing creative community with a robust art scene.
Formed in 2026, the gallery evolved from the artist residency program Alternative Worksite, founded in 2017 by artist Linda Burnham, a Distinguished Professor of Painting and former Chair of the School of Fine Arts of Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Recognized as a successful and vibrant artist residency program, Alternative Worksite’s mission was to support emerging artists by providing the space and time to create work without the pressures of everyday life. Residencies are time-bound programs that gives creators space, time, and support to research and experiment rather than immediately produce artwork for public view.
Covid disrupted the program, and when the world returned to a life rift with physical distancing and virtual viewing, the founder chose to pivot toward a more outward facing venture which would serve as a bridge between artists and audiences. A physical space provides a direct engagement with seeing and experiencing artwork, where we are reminded what looking at art in person reveals- touch, textures, changing light, scale, and an authentic spatial presence, while contributing to the core values of the residency program in its support for artists and the arts.
From solo exhibitions to group shows, the gallery strives to present art in a way that highlights the unique voice of every artist, showcasing art with intention, clarity, and precision, delivering exceptional art experiences. We are committed to developing a program devoted to artists whose practices demonstrate originality, formal intelligence, and an independent artistic language. By staying true to the principles of artist advocacy, cultural relevance, experimentation, and community accessibility, 12 Campbell will continue the legacy of prioritizing artists, while participating in a vibrant local art ecosystem.
The Flat File Project, an additional important aspect of 12 Campbell, house portfolios of original works by artists, and contributes to this outward reaching venture by making art available to a wider public, where you can look at something in a even more direct way than curated on a wall. More information here.
Alternative Worksite will continue to be a driving force in the arts through curating exhibitions, organizing artist talks and providing exhibition spaces. AW Projects is a non-profit satellite exhibition space located in a former radiator shop. This space has the ability to show larger-scale painting, sculpture, and long term installations, allowing pop-up exhibitions and greater opportunities for direct interaction between artists and the public. We invite collaboration with curators, artists, and partners welcoming their perspectives to activate the site for civic and social engagement, connecting our experiences to a larger whole.
Internships are available for 12 Campbell and Alternative Worksite. Inquire Here.