Meet our guest editor, Keith Ramsey of Ramsey Art Works. Keith is a Richmond based contemporary and conceptual artist, designer, and sculptor. He’s known for his found object artwork and his commitment to initiating conversation through his art that serves as commentary on politics, society, social conditions, isolation, and more. He’s also the co-founder of Bike Monday Bros, a series of group rides that promote unity and inclusion. Keith recently wrapped up a sculpture called "Edwards the Fisherman" (pictured) that is part of a downtown scavenger hunt as Richmonders try to determine the exact location of RVA's newest piece of public art. Take it away, Keith ...
On June 30, 2016, my world changed. It was my last day employed as a professional graphic designer...and it wasn't by choice. But, I did realize the universe had a plan for me as an artist. After spending the weekends, putting in time after hours, and using every minute to hone my creativity, that change had finally arrived. From that day forward I built my life around being a full-time professional artist on my own terms and I never looked back. Here are my tips for finding inspiration and being prepared for opportunities in this city we love to call home.
That COVID
Thing for VCU
My first piece of advice is to always say "yes" when you're called upon to help. Look for ways to roll up your sleeves and make an impact with the unique skills you can offer. Back in March, as an example, I was contacted out of the blue from someone needing a welder to help put together 12+ racks for VCU Health that would be used to sterilize medical supplies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. There were projects already in the workshop, but before he could get halfway through asking if I could help it was already a hard "YES" from me. It was more welding in a short amount of time than I had ever done, but after a week of straight 9-hour days we got the racks out the door! The thing about that is, I was proud to be able to do something...anything, to help with the crisis our nation and the world is facing. It was a small part by comparison to what others are doing and sacrificing, but it was what I personally could do with the resources I had. When called upon, offer your creativity, find ways to help and be ready to say "yes" when asked.
A few years ago I joined a ride with friends participating in Bike Walk RVA for Bike Month and was immediately hooked. Saying yes to that initial ride led to more gatherings, and before I knew it we were pedaling around the city every Monday. With each ride more and more friends joined our route each week. After the protest of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and more African-Americans at the hands of police and vigilante citizens, we decided to bring our biking community together with a “Unity Ride for Black Lives" involving over 250 people riding through downtown and the Fan District. Today, we're still getting together on Mondays to ride and we always invite the community to ride along with us. Now called Bike Monday Bros, our series of rides are designed for riders to meet new people and to enjoy our local bike culture for an evening. Check out Bike Monday Bros on Instagram and come ride with us!
We all need a place to hang, share ideas, and find inspiration. Due to COVID, it's hard to find this kind of place like we used to. But with Crossroads open again (at limited capacity) this month, there's finally an option for the community to gather at a favorite local coffee shop. While I spend most of my time in my workshop in the Valley Manufacturing Building in the Northside working on commissions or personal projects, I always save time for a trip to Crossroads on the Southside for lively conversation, good food and coffee, and a creativity boost. Loyal fans love this place so much that when Crossroads was closed for months its regulars organized a GoFundMe campaign to support its reopening. We all chipped in and like many, I made donations when possible, used my social media to bring awareness, and offered creative ideas to help when asked. Go check out this classic coffee shop, and other favorite local coffee shops around town, to let them know we're glad they're open.
Hidden somewhere in downtown Richmond is "Edwards the Fisherman," a towering new installation made from found objects by Keith Ramsey. Inspired by African-American contemporary artist and sculptor Melvin Edwards, this important piece reminds us that public art and the process through which it is produced should positively impact the community, create a sense of inclusion, and forge connection between citizens and our open spaces.
Sit back, you're in for a treat as Erin Frye takes over the guest editor spot this week. Erin is a local musician, yoga teacher in-training, and the Director of Programs and Outreach with CultureWorks. She is motivated by elevating people and communities. Her travels as a volunteer musician have spanned from Africa to Europe, and across North America. She is an RVA-based singer-songwriter, the founder of Gals for a Cause, and was a Teaching Artist/Performer in SPARC’s inclusive LIVE ART program for six years. She is a recent Honoree in Gallery 5’s Movers and Shakers Exhibit, an Honoree in JMU’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Dukes ‘One World’ Program and was inducted into the JMU Alumni: ‘Be The Change’ Hall of Fame.
Let's dig in!
Richmond
Folk Festival
It's the most wonderful time of the year…the Richmond Folk Fest! Usually during Folk Fest weekend you’ll find me on Brown’s Island hopping from tent to tent catching as many musical performances as possible ALL weekend long. This year will be different, as the Fest returns for its 16th year in a new, virtual format with just as much HEART as ever; continuing to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture. There are three ways to dig in: through a special television program (Sat & Sun), radio broadcasts and online streaming (all weekend long). Our friends from Spacebomb Studios, Butcher Brown, Jared Pool (and many more!) will present new musical performances that are exclusive to this festival! I’ll “see” you all there folkin’ around. And make sure to check out this year's Folk Festival poster by the talented Shannon Wright (pictured) and available for purchase at Plan 9 Music.
Vitals:
October 9 to October 11 / Full schedule at richmondfolkfestival.org / Tag #rvafolkfest to share your experiences
Together
Apart
Kevin Orlosky of Art on Wheels has created “Together Apart,” a socially-distanced participatory, interactive, and immersive art installation on Brown’s Island. The installation commemorates the things we have lost because of COVID-19; it will be a labyrinth of rocks that will form a 100 x 70ft hand. To participate, paint a rock representing something you miss as a result of the pandemic and place it in the sculpture. I look forward to adding my rock to the collection and experiencing this opportunity to see our community come together to create, release and begin to heal.
Vitals:
On display until October 15 / Together Apart / Images of Together Apart progress shared on Kevin Orlosky’s Facebook and Instagram feeds
Love Letters
to America
Richmond-based artist Jordan Shanks will reveal his photo collection “Love Letters to America: Part II,” and his second film “Never Again” from 6-9 pm on Friday, October 16 at the Richmond Art Garage. The photography and film document social justice movements of recent years, and follows the call to remove confederate statues in the former capital of the confederacy. The exhibit runs from Oct. 16 - Nov. 1, 2020. There will be an artist talk at 2 pm on Saturday, Oct. 17 between Jordan Shanks and Heidi Abbott, whose works will also be on display in the gallery moderated by award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author, Kristen Green. There will also be a virtual component to the event, and safety & social distancing guidelines will be followed as the gallery will be operated at a limited capacity during your visit.
Happening now, artoberVA promotes events, pop-ups, exhibits, science, history, collaborations, and any arts or culture experience happening in the Richmond & Tri-Cities area every October. Presented by CultureWorks, artoberVA increases participation in arts and culture events and expands the exposure of organizations, venues, and artists shaping our vibrant and creative scene.
Meet this week's guest editor, Noah Scalin. As many Richmonders know, Noah is the creator of the award-winning project Skull-A-Day and the collaborative science fiction performance art project League of Space Pirates. Noah was the inaugural artist-in-residence at the VCU School of Business and his fine art has been exhibited internationally, including installations in Times Square, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Mütter Museum and multiple solo exhibitions in Krause Gallery in NYC. His work has been commissioned by Old Navy, Capital One, and Goodwill; and has been featured in dozens of publications including Fast Company, USA Today, The Telegraph, and the New York Times. Noah is a sought after public speaker on the topic of creativity and the author of six books — most recently Creative Sprint, which he co-wrote with his sister/business partner Mica. Together, Noah and Mica also founded an art and innovation consulting firm called Another Limited Rebellion.
Read on for Noah's top recommendations for ways to explore and celebrate this place we call home.
Chop Suey
Books
Browsing a bookstore is one of my favorite pastimes, but it’s something I haven’t been able to do since the start of this year, for obvious reasons. Luckily, Chop Suey Books has managed to recreate the experience on their Instagram page! Not only can I quickly discover new and used books in their stories, but I can keep up on the adventures of my favorite store cat Wonton. I love the fact that I can order any book I want (even one that’s not currently in the store) and it’ll be on my doorstep within the week (often hand delivered by owner Ward Tefft himself). Did I mention they also have a virtual book club, so you can connect with your fellow librophiles? And now more adventurous folks can even sign up for a solo browsing time inside the store during the month of October (though don’t wait, they’re selling out the time slots fast)!
Local entrepreneur extraordinaire Larkin Garbee wasted no time shifting her gears at the start of the pandemic to meet the needs of our healthcare community. She figured out a way to not only quickly make and distribute reusable face shields, but also how to support our essential healthcare workers even more by offering to give one shield away for every one purchased through the Good Work Society Store. I’m a particular fan of the Orchid Shield which has a beautiful design on it courtesy of my friend and fellow artist Hamilton Glass. Each of these shields has an additional benefit of also supporting the work of Girls For A Change, who receives a donation from each sale.
Speaking of Hamilton, now is a great time to get out and see the creative transformation that’s been happening in this city these past few months courtesy of his Mending Walls project. I was honored to be included in the roster of artists asked to collaborate on large scale visual conversations about race and social justice. Since it launched in June there have been ten new murals, addressing the most pressing issues of our current moment, added to our landscape and several more are currently in the works. Want a unique way to see some of the murals firsthand? Check out the upcoming Bike & Brunch Tours that feature the murals and conversations about our local Black culture and history.
Today marks the start of my company’s annual 30-day challenge: Creative Sprint®! It’s a free, fun way to get inspired and find new opportunities. And it’s not too late to join me and build your creative muscles alongside a supportive international community. Sign up now and look for us on Instagram.
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