Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Spend Your Labor Day With Us!
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on September 2nd, 2010
September is an odd month in the First Fridays season. It’s not yet fall, the heat is usually still hanging around, there could be a chance of a Hurricane or at least a savage storm, and of course the Art Walk always falls on Labor Day Weekend, which encourages folks to head out of town for that last summer splash. Seems like we’ve got too many things working against us to have a successful event. But that’s just not the case (well, as long as Hurricane Earl doesn’t come ashore.)
In fact, the September 3 First Fridays Art Walk has some amazing events scheduled, making staying in town, or visiting Richmond for a long weekend, a pretty awesome plan for the holiday.
First, the good news is that only a handful of First Fridays venues will be closed due to the holiday (Score!) Our website has all the details of what exhibitions are on view, what activities are being planned, what dining specials will be served, and which sites are taking a break this month. www.FirstFridaysRichmond.com
Citizen Artist Panel Talk at the University of Richmond Downtown Campus (626 E. Broad St) is at the top of the list of things to experience this month. This intriguing sounding event will bring together local artists like Noah Scalin, Tanja Softic, and Daniel Custodio to discuss how social change can be effected through creativity. It will be interesting to hear from the six artists working in a variety of media on how to impact Richmond for the better. The event is at 5:30 and free, but seats need to be reserved at http://downtown.richmond.edu/citizenartist.html
“Giving back” is possibly the theme for September’s Art Walk. Our newest venue, UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), is 
presenting a 30-year retrospective of works by Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. for the Grand Opening of their new Gallery space. Perkinson is kind of a local legend for his philanthropic and creative talents, having painted nearly 15,000 watercolors for charity, and this will be the first time works spanning his career will be on display. Check out this latest addition to Jackson Ward between 5pm-10pm, and be sure not to miss their tranquil garden and Donor Memorial Wall that’s an oasis in the City. UNOS is at the corner of 4th and Jackson Streets and offers free parking.
While you’re in Jackson Ward, head to Gallery 5 for an assortment of musical offerings. From 7pm-11pm, you can enjoy a variety of live music from local and international performers and the exhibition Self Titled that includes original artwork from independently produced records and CDs. Inside the gallery is the socially conscious Lucent Space, which will host the University of Richmond’s Community Gamelan (orchestra) Gamelan Raga Kusuma. On view throughout the month will be photography as well as field recordings and video from the group’s travel to Bali and Java this summer, while the ensemble will perform Friday night. It’s exciting to have this ensemble back to First Fridays, so if you haven’t experienced Indonesian music before, this is a not-to-be-missed event!
While we may be longing for summer fun, fall fashions make the (eventual) cooler weather worth the change. It also means sales! Quirk is celebrating their 5th Anniversary, (Happy Birthday!!) and we’re getting the presents! Don’t miss Quirk’s Super Sale during First Fridays or throughout the week to see what goodies are in the Shop. Katie and her team score amazing finds during their buying trips, bringing back gorgeous jewelry, neat household items, funky back to school supplies, and all around cool stuff to make Richmond, well cooler. Quirk also is packed this month with new exhibitions by, Vadis Turner, Daniel Calder, and Cindy Myron.
And is there a better way to appreciate cooler weather than to enjoy a glass of wine in a luxurious courtyard? I think not. You can do just that at the lovely and historic Linden Row Inn. Opening this week is the latest installation by curator Amie Oliver for 1708 Gallery’s satellite exhibition program. Ironisence features works by numerous artist members, inspired by the words, irony and sincerity, as coined by art critic Jerry Salz. So grab a drink and look around. The satellite shows have been superb and brought the space alive like never before. Linden Row is located at the corner of 1st and Franklin Streets.
Happy Holiday Everyone. I hope there’s no laboring in your weekend!
No vending at First Fridays unless you have a permit
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on July 2nd, 2010
In case you don’t know or need a reminder, you can only do sidewalk vending at First Fridays Art Walk with a license from the City of Richmond Finance Dept. You can call Mr. Darren Hayes at 804.646.5928 for information and all the details. He’s a really nice guy and will help you out. Otherwise, you’ll be asked to pack up. We all have to keep city law and safety in mind.
Thanks!
Heat up the Holiday Weekend with First Fridays!
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on July 2nd, 2010
Sorry this is a short post, but things have been crazy busy and I’ve been addicted to Twitter lately, so that might be a better place to reach me/us if you don’t follow already. Check my lame posts out at @firstfridaysrva
You can also sign up for our monthly enewsletter. Just email me at: curatedculture@comcast.net
As for tonight, July 2, 2010, we really hate picking favorites but sometimes, exhibitions and events just stand out. Here’s what we like for July…
Real Small Art Mural
305 West Broad Street
7:00pm-10:00pm
Don’t miss a mural installation going up at 305 West Broad Street by Tiffany Glass and artist students from the VMFA. And I think she’s bringing her Gorilla. Don’t ask, just go!
Flux
Ghostprint Gallery – 220 West Broad Street
7:00pm-10:00pm
Ghostprint Gallery was chosen as Richmond.com’s First Fridays Pick for July! Check the story out here then plan to see the exhibition Flux for yourself tonight or later this month. This new show features work by some of Richmond and New York’s hot new young talent.
Donna Schatz 
9WG Studios – 9 West Grace Street
7:00pm-10:00pm
Hip production studio, 9WG, presents exciting new visual art exhibitions each month for First Fridays and their show for July is no different. The intriguing work of Donna Schatz will compel you to get a block off Broad tonight to see her amazing body of documentary photography. Schatz has worked for many years in film and video as a TV camerawoman and independent producer, shooting in Oregon, Florida, North Carolina, New York, the Middle East and Hungary.
Worn Again 2010: Recycled Fashion benefit for Books on Wheels
art6 Gallery – 6 East Broad Street
Doors open 6pm, Fashion Show 7:30pm-9:30pm
$5 minimum donation at the door
Worn Again 2010 is the 7th “Recycled Fashion Extravaganza” and the latest opportunity for Richmond designers to take the Worn Again challenge. 27 designers and artists have been working with a bag of cast-off clothing and materials, turning them into runway masterpieces. After making it past the Worn Again Jury on June 27, The top designs have been working hard to present their final creations at tonight’s First Fridays Art Walk. Proceeds help the great local group Books on Wheels! Local publication Midlothian Exchange has a really nice article on the show here!
Murder on Second Street: The Jackson Ward Murders Author Talk & Book Signing with Rebekah L. Pierce
Diluted Loss: Keith M. Ramsey
Black History Museum Cultural Center of VA – 00 Clay St.
7:00pm-9:00pm
Set in Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, during prohibition and weeks of the Stock Market Crash, Murder on Second Street: The Jackson Ward Murders is an engaging work of historical fiction that is a fascinating read for history buffs and thrill seekers alike, and you can get in on the mystery tonight! The Black History Museum will host an author talk and book signing for Rebekah L. Pierce, author of the newly published novel, Murder on Second Street. The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by WPG Publishing. The Museum will also offer free admission from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
And while you’re there, you must head upstairs and see the exhibition Diluted Loss by Richmond artist Keith M. Ramsey. This exceptional series is an ongoing body of work focusing on the artist’s research into the world of the African-American soldier in WWII. This is powerful stuff. Don’t look away, take it in. This is some of my favorite work I’ve ever seen.
Get Off the Beaten Path of First Fridays!
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on June 3rd, 2010
Places become popular because they’re usually worth seeing, which accurately describes the many First Fridays Art Walk venues along Historic Broad Street. Ultimately though, popularity can have its short comings, like overcrowding and the inability to experience what you came for under optimum circumstances.
These are the days when venturing off the beaten path is called for. And what you will discover is, out of the ordinary locations offering exciting and intimate experiences, and that First Fridays is not just confined to the City’s main drag.
Meander south of Broad Street and you’ll find some of the most beautiful tree lined streets in the City as well as the most elegant of architecture in Monroe Ward. Not to mention many of our program’s cultural venues. Did I mention the James River? Grace, Franklin, Main, and Cary Streets are all very familiar corridors, filled with the grandest mix of accommodations – like the Jefferson Hotel and Linden Row Inn – plus restaurants, small businesses and major corporations, public art and green spaces, not to mention the Region’s premier performing arts center – CenterStage. Visitors to First Fridays will find plenty of parking options along the street and at the numerous hourly parking lots located here too.
A walk just north of Broad Street is Historic Jackson Ward, which promises pleasant strolls and views of the most cast iron work in the country outside of New Orleans. One of Richmond’s most historic neighborhoods, nicknamed the “Harlem of the South” because of its strong African-American heritage and culture, Jackson Ward is in the midst of revitalization as galleries, restaurants, and unique urban living options spring up amongst the historic properties built between the early and late 1800’s. Our City’s rich history lies along these brick lined streets as well as its new culture.
What you’ll discover “Off the Beaten Path” at First Fridays June 4!
Monroe Ward:
9WG Studios (9 West Grace Street) is located in a newly renovated space featuring two audio recording suites, a two-story tracking room and isolation booth, two editing suites and a shooting cyc. Their beautiful brick gallery showcases emerging painter Angela Tornello in June.
Centenary United Methodist Church (411 East Grace Street) features a unique spin on the coffee house event. Friday Nite LIVE! features free live music, coffee and refreshments. The Christian praise band Zechariah’s Song will perform from 6:00pm-8:00pm on June 4.
Chez Foushee (203 North Foushee Street) has a loyal lunchtime following but those in the know are sitting at their bar or at a four-top during First Fridays for dinner between 6:00pm-10:00pm or enjoying cocktails til 11:00pm. Dinner’s doing so well, that the Chez Crew now serves dinner every Friday and Saturday night.
Lemaire (Jefferson Hotel) will not be out done thanks to $5 Cosmos and Manhattans on First Fridays. You can drop our name and get 10% off your food purchase as well. And there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of their daily Happy Hour specials or three-course menu from 5:00pm-6:00pm for only $30, which would certainly be an outstanding way to start your evening. First Fridays offers no better time to take in Lemaire’s cozy sophisticated ambiance at one of Richmond’s most remarkable architectural wonders.
Linden Row Inn (100 East Franklin Street) is a happening place for a once reserved historic inn. Partnering with the iconic 1708 Gallery, Linden Row now boasts a rotating array of contemporary works by locally based artists inside and out. Currently on view are works inspired by the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Reflecting and Collecting celebrates the reopening of the VMFA and features 19 thought-provoking works. A courtyard oasis, a drink from the cash bar, and the sometimes sounds of live jazz, are making this a hip location. Visit 6:00pm-10:00pm, or make it a getaway with a Special First Fridays Art Walk Rate, available Thursday – Sunday on the first weekend of the month.
Richmond CenterStage (600 East Grace Street) has been the location of some amazing art these past few months of First Fridays. And from 5:00pm-8:00pm on June 4, you too can witness more not-to-be-missed performances. Experience the Elegba Folklore Society in a presentation of African dance and music. Complimenting this dramatic free cultural event will be the sounds of the community based One Voice Chorus. A cash bar and complimentary snacks will be available to top your night off. Enter CenterStage from the corner of 7th and East Grace Streets.
Richmond Public Library (101 East Franklin Street) has changed the way people think about libraries. This is no stuffy, keep it quiet location on First Fridays. The Downtown Branch is always alive with live music, lectures by popular authors, or events like the 5th Annual Poetry Slam taking place this week. The RPL also is host to 4 diverse visual art exhibitions every single month. These great folks never rest in order to make their grand facility a home of culture. During June, they continue their celebration of the statewide program Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts with Muses: A Tribute to Mature Women Who Live Creative Lives, Scenic Virginia’s Photography Competition, Elizabeth Evans mixed media, Plein Air Figure Drawings and Hollywood Glamour. Enjoy all the Library has to offer from 7:00pm-9:00pm.
St Paul’s Episcopal Church (815 East Grace Street) has added First Fridays to its roster of diverse cultural programming, and we’re excited that they have! And they make venturing east so easy thanks to free parking in their 8th Street Parking Garage. You can enter between 5:00pm-8:00pm and can leave anytime thereafter. Enjoy an opening reception 5:00pm-8:00pm for the group exhibition Youth Art Offering featuring Margaret Benson, Olivia Fabelo, Nena Huss and Joy Whitehurst. Inspired by all the talk of Louis Comfort Tiffany? You’re in for a treat as St Paul’s foremost works of art include 10 stained glass windows from the Tiffany Studios. Tours are available for free!
Jackson Ward:
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (00 Clay Street) continues its exploration of the African American military experience throughout the summer. Opening on June 4 from 6:00pm-8:30pm is an installation of one of the most challenging exhibitions you will experience in some time. Diluted Loss is a series of mixed media works by well-known Richmond artist Keith M. Ramsey who utilizes found objects and historical clippings and letters in his conceptual works. Also on view is An Officer and a Gentleman: Selections from the Colonel Charles Young Collection that draws from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Gallery 5 (200 West Marshall Street) presents ample opportunities this month to learn how to green your life. During First Fridays from 7:00pm-11:00pm take in Sustainable Richmond and Stay Space: The James River Green Building Council’s presentation of the 2010 Green Spaces Competition. Thanks to the numerous eco-friendly organizations and businesses taking part in Sustainable Richmond, you’ll fine a diverse range of products, services, and programs guaranteed to improve your life and the environment.
*This article was originally published on Richmond.com
First Fridays Art Walk Tonight!
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on May 7th, 2010
There’s honestly not enough time and space to list all the great exhibitions and events taking place tonight May 7, 2010 and extending throughout the month of May. At least not here, but you can check out our website for a complete list of what the participating venues are presenting:
http://www.firstfridaysrichmond.com
And while you’re at our site, check out the brand new, updated First Fridays Map that’s downloadable so you can easily print out a copy and take it along as you make your way Downtown to the almost 40 participating venues. Parking and landmarks are included for convenience.
Many Thanks to METRORMEDIA for helping keep us looking good! 
I’ll also point you in the direction of Richmond.com and their awesome First Fridays Online Guide, my recent article about the May 7th Art Walk, and Richmond.com’s selection of must-sees! for tips on what to take in. Or you can read and download our recent Summer Guide presented by Style Weekly! Our new print guide is available on our website as well as at the participating venues, so pick up your copy today if you don’t already have one from the April 28th issue of Style Weekly. And by the way, be sure to support these two great media outlets as they help keep First Fridays thriving!
Our website is always the best source for details since you can access each participating venues, hit the link and find out exactly what’s on view this month or taking place during First Fridays, from exhibitions to dining specials.
Have fun and be sure to continue to shop local! Our partners need your support to keep going and keep RVA the amazing city is it.
I hope to see you at First Fridays, as it’s going to be a fabulous night!
Cheers! Christina
Reverence for the New VMFA
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on April 24th, 2010
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has always been an important place (and experience) to me. Those first visits as a child made lasting impressions. But how can seeing a mummy as a child, NOT impact you? Or the rows and rows of beautiful objects that make you gasp and say “oooohh” and “aaaahh”. (I guess I’m attracted to bright and sparkly things more than I really know.)
When my Mom would complain about my choice of study in college (art history), her disagreement shown clearly on her face all through those years and after. She always wanted me to be a nurse so I would always have the security of a job. It didn’t matter to her that I would certainly faint at the site of blood and that would be the absolutely last thing I would ever want to do. Her intentions were admirable and much appreciated now, as she just simply didn’t want me to work as hard as she had all her life, and of course, she knew right. Except for the selection of the occupation.
I would kid with her that it was her fault that I loved art. If she hadn’t taken my brother and me to the Museum (VMFA) or to DC (Smithsonian), I wouldn’t have fallen in love art; with the idea that I wanted to BE around art. Those trips up to Richmond were always special times for the three of us and the VMFA was the place that truly changed my life but when we went to the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, it was the icing on the cake. THIS is where I want to be. Any museum I would visit, I’d walk wide-eyed and captivated, in awe, offering my tiny reverence to the space and objects around me.
McGlothin Wing
Memories of these trips came back to me on Thursday as I walked into the newly renovated Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I could hardly believe I was there, getting a first glimpse at what this space that has meant so much to me, was soon to be. I was awestruck again, hardly able to move from the magnificent new Wing that overwhelms you as you enter, but while it’s such a huge space, the light pouring into the museum is welcoming nonetheless. It’s the most amazing venue in Richmond. If there ever was a time for reverence, it was then (now). I found myself shocked that the artworks themselves held less meaning for me, but the more I climbed into the depths of the galleries, the works came back to me as I navigated through the halls, surprised that I found myself turned around inside one of my favorite spaces that I know so damn well. (I imagine those not familiar with the space will find themselves around easier than us Richmonders.) Needly to say, I’m counting down the days until the Members Day on April 29 to explore more of the Museum and share the experience with my husband!
As I mentioned to a few folks at the media event, if you experienced this space in DC, Philly, Chicago, NY, or in any major city around the world, you’d be inspired by the space of course, but subconsciously you’d expect this type of space to be there. It’s expected. Finding yourself in such an architectural masterpiece in Richmond is overwhelming. This is not to say that we don’t have amazing architecture! Richmond’s finest qualities are its exceptional and diverse architecture and history and it should be much more appreciated and celebrated than it is. But we don’t have anything as truly modern as what the Mathers’ architectural team has created in Richmond. It is on par with any such facility around the around the world. Richmond was already a top tier arts and cultural city, but now, it is on the map! I fell in love with Richmond again on Thursday, April 22. I needed that. Everyone does at some point, especially when you’ve been in the same spot for 20+ years (ugh)
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Thursday’s epiphany was also made possible thanks to a visit later that evening to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Another one of Richmond’s prized treasures! I guess I did more that day than I’ve done in months, or else it felt that way. I suppose obviously because these places are so beautiful to behold and it had been so long since I had experienced them, but I also saw wonderful people I know at each of these places, and the people that call Richmond home are what makes this place home to me. I was SO proud to be here. In those moments. Admiring all our community has to offer. (I’m proud that I’ve made personal commitments to renew our memberships at both of these cultural treasures and hope you might too.)
As much as I know and love RVA, the older I get the more closer to home I tend to stay. There was certainly a time, maybe an age, where there seemed like there was nothing to do other than hang by the River (which is a great thing!) but that was so long ago. Now there are TOO many things to do, which is absolutely the best problem for a City (Richmond) to have. I feel confident that the new VMFA will become a beacon of community gatherings and a symbol of community pride even more than it already was. The entire “Museums on the Boulevard” strip is the perfect connectivity for rebirth of such a wide swath of the City and that’s incredibly exciting. (insert beaming smile)
I can’t wait for others to experience the Virginia Museum, but for now, I’m going to cherish my quiet time wandering through the halls of the Museum offering reverence.
If you would like to see more images from the April 22, 2010 VMFA Media Day, go to our Facebook Photo Album at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=164607&id=123315588730&ref=mf
Read This Before Selling Another During First Fridays
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on April 2nd, 2010
You CAN’T set up to be a vendor/sell along sidewalks in the City of Richmond without a Sidewalk Vendor Permit from the City of Richmond Finance Department!
Are you thinking about setting up a table or space somewhere along the sidewalks during First Fridays Art Walk to sell your artworks, crafts, food, or other items? Before you do, please read the City of Richmond’s website for details on vending on City sidewalks, especially in the Downtown, or “Central Business District” in which the Art Walk takes place. You MUST obtain a permit before doing so. The only way you can vend otherwise is to make arrangements with a private business to be on private property.
http://www.richmondgov.com/Finance/permitsCostHealthLaw.aspx#vendor
Our website also has details on becoming a Sidewalk Vendor on our Frequently Asked Questions Page:
http://www.firstfridaysrichmond.com/FIRST%20FRIDAY2009/FAQs.html
Please adhere to the law and don’t get a ticket!
You’ll also be keeping the areas of First Fridays clutter free and convenient for all to access.
CenterStage to Host Food Drive for Central Va Food Bank April 2
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on April 1st, 2010
Two great institutions - Richmond CenterStage and Central Virginia Food Bank – are working together on a Food Drive during First Fridays on April 2, 2010.
Participating in a food drive is a very simple way to support the important work of helping to feed our neighbors in need throughout Central Virginia and CenterStage is making it even easier by serving as a drop off location for your non-perishable donations.
As part of “First Fridays East”, Richmond CenterStage is thrilled to offer free performances to the audiences of Richmond. Join us for an evening of music in RhyCVF Food Drop Signabthm Hall with performances by the Richmond Youth Jazz Guild and Richmond Jazz Composers Alliance Quintet. The event is free and open to the public. Light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar will be available. Visit the Showcase Gallery to see Spring Palette featuring more than 45 works representing Henrico County public high schools. Entrance at 7th Street and Grace Street.
First Fridays is hot IN the press this month!
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on April 1st, 2010
We love getting good press. Sure, I know, who doesn’t? But when it’s from these great publications, it’s very special. Check out these links for great reads on the upcoming First Fridays Art Walk on April 2!
Richmond.com – First Fridays Guide includes three pieces related to First Fridays Art Walk
http://www2.richmond.com/events/first-fridays-art-walk/
RVANews.com - RVAJazz covers jazz programming at Richmond CenterStage & UR Downtown
http://rvanews.com/entertainment/jazz/first-fridays-art-walk-looks-eastward/26854
Richmond Grid Magazine – reprint of Richmond.com article “highlights” article
http://richmondgrid.com/index.asp?ID=361
Richmond Times-Dispatch – reviews “First Fridays East” spring project
Awesome Art & Warmer Weather = An Amazing First Fridays
Posted by Christina in Uncategorized on March 29th, 2010
First Fridays Art Walk / Richmond, VA
April 2, 2010
The next First Fridays Art Walk will continue to bring Downtown alive as the April 2, 2010 event will feature a wealth of activities, including an award winning public art installation by renowned architect Peter Culley, anticipated anniversary celebrations at 1708 Gallery and Gallery 5, plus numerous exhibitions, lots of live music, artist demonstrations and vendors, and always, the unexpected. And the forecasted warmer weather will certainly make the event a popular one. Along with free entertainment, visitors to First Fridays will find unique shopping opportunities, highly ranked restaurants, and some of Richmond’s best hotels in the surrounding area. Downtown is Richmond’s top cultural destination for a night on the town or an exciting creative weekend getaway.
April 2nd is notable as the second installment in a three month-long effort known as, “First Fridays East.
” This exciting spring project is a new collaboration between Curated Culture and some of Downtown’s top cultural venues located just east of the heart of First Fridays, between 6th and 9th Streets, including Library of Virginia, Richmond CenterStage, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, and UR Downtown. Each venue will feature a variety of free activities and entertainment between 5:00pm-8:00pm on April 2 and again on May 7.
Visitors to “First Fridays East” will be treated to powerful exhibitions, artist talks and demonstrations at the Library of Virginia and at St. Paul’s, while a diversity of great live music will be featured at Richmond CenterStage and UR Downtown.
CenterStage will present a night of local jazz with the Richmond Youth Jazz Guild Small Ensemble, Richmond Jazz Composers Alliance Quintet, and the Richmond Youth Jazz Guild Large Ensemble, and UR will host the University’s Bossa Nova and Samba Ensemble (featuring Kevin Harding on guitar) as well as The Octaves, UR’s all-male a capella group. As with First Fridays, “First Fridays East” will feature something for everyone!
Free parking is available at St Paul’s Episcopal Church beginning at 5:00pm. Free parking is also available at the Library of Virginia parking deck from 5:00-8:00pm.
Highlights of the upcoming April 2 First Fridays Art Walk:
- “Light House 1: Jackson Ward, RVA” – lighted public art installation to be reinstalled at Visual Art Studio parking lot (208 W Broad St). Created for the original 2008 InLight Richmond event organized by 1708 Gallery, “Light House” was the award winning piece, and is a representation of a Jackson Ward house, but is seen only by the glowing presence of the interior and exterior at night. It is produced by an extensive team of artists led by Peter Culley, head of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts expansion project, and this reinstallation is part of the celebrations leading up to the VMFA’s grand opening. http://www.spatialaffairsbureau.com/
- “First Fridays East” – Start off your First Fridays evening with special events in the eastern area of Downtown between 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Library of Virginia (artist demos & exhibition), Richmond CenterStage (live local jazz throughout the night), St Paul’s Episcopal Church (exhibitions & tours of the historic Tiffany windows), UR Downtown (live Bossa Nova & Samba music.)
- Richmond CenterStage will also be hosting a Food Drive for the Central Virginia Food Bank, so bring plenty of cans goods to help those in need in our community.
- 1708 Gallery celebrates the 20th Anniversary of their popular Annual Art Auction. “Home is Where the Art Is” will feature a diverse range of artworks by 70 artists. This is always a not-to-be-missed event in the creative community since it’s a great opportunity to acquire sought after artists while supporting Richmond’s oldest nonprofit galleries. Honorary Chair of this year’s anniversary celebration is Alex Nyerges, Director of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
- Gallery 5 kicks off a month-long celebration of its 5th Anniversary with a special photography exhibition featuring work by a dozen photographers celebrating the gallery’s last 5 uniquely creative years. Live music, theatre, and poetry to accompany the exhibition.
- Richmond Public Library (Main Branch) celebrates National Poetry Month with the 2010 Brodie Herndon Poetry lecture at 7:00pm, featuring Kathleen Graber, author of the book Correspondence and winner of the 2005 Saturnalia Books Poetry Prize.
- Quirk Gallery artist vendors – a variety of artists and crafts vendors can always been found at the parking lot located next to the wildly popular shop, Quirk.
- Reggae group, Unity Sound, will perform at Metro Sound & Music for a free CD release show.