This week, we're celebrating True Places RVA, an experiential art initiative designed to inspire the exploration and celebration of our most authentic outdoor places in the River City. To begin, we challenged four local artists to depict Richmond’s “true places” in a work of art that highlights destinations not commonly found on a map or along a well-worn path. The result is the first in a series of fine art prints that honor places in the great outdoors that speak to our community’s ability to push further, explore deeper, reflect, and learn along the way. Each piece of art is available as a limited release print (only 250 of each true place will ever be made) just in time for last minute shoppers this holiday season.
Sharp's Island by Ed Trask
One of a kind really only begins to describe one-acre Sharp's Island on the James River in the middle of downtown Richmond! Adventure seekers know this spot as the only legal camping option in the heart of RVA. Art is already a part of the Sharp’s Island story as a sculpture made by Keith Ramsey from repurposed railroad ties sits at the tip of the island. Richmond artist Ed Trask, an avid explorer and fan of all things outside, paddled to Sharp’s to create this special piece for the True Places series. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this print benefits the Blue Sky Fund.
Located at Ancarrow’s Landing in Richmond, the Manchester Slave Docks sit quietly along the rutted banks of the James amid a tangled forest of concrete pillars, trees, and history hidden in plain sight. As part of the Richmond Slave Trail, the docks serve as a place to reflect on the journey many slaves walked from the river’s port to slave jails in the city. Today, the docks are part of an effort to pull back the covers of a dark history as part of Richmond’s responsibility to understand the authentic story and to tell the truth. Austin "Auz" Miles, a celebrated Richmond artist known for creating visual conversations that ignite understanding and inspire community healing, painted the Manchester Slave Docks for our True Places series. A portion of the proceeds from Auz’s piece will benefit Keep Virginia Cozy, a nonprofit working to increase diversity and inclusion in our public lands while leaving outdoor places better than we find them.
Just down the metal ladder along a narrow catwalk atop the pipeline, you’ll find the heart of Richmond. Here the CSX railway serves as your canopy above, with giant granite boulders flanking the banks and the river raging below your feet. You’ll spot Blue Herons nesting in their riverfront rookery along with Osprey, ducks and geese. Nearby the islands are wild and crumbling ruins of Richmond’s past scatter the landscape. Sounds of passing trains mix with the cadence of the James roaring through the Pipeline Rapids, mirroring the pace of our own lives. Artist Melissa Burgess has captured this special place in her painting of the Pipeline as part of the Ture Places series. A portion of the proceeds from Melissa’s piece will benefit Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit in Richmond specializing in guiding participants with disabilities, veterans, at risk youth, and recovery programs on outdoor adventures.
In 1819, a two-story gristmill on the north bank of the James River was built, just downstream of what is now the Nickel Bridge. The ruins of that once-massive stone structure still stands today! That's right, 200-years of storms and floods have not quite consumed it. This abandoned and almost entirely unknown slice of Richmond offers a tangible link to Richmond history and reminder of our tenacity. Go in search of Foushee Mill, and you’ll be rewarded with a hike through Richmond’s urban wilderness and a reminder of our city’s craftsmanship, grit, and longtime draw to the river’s edge. Foushee Mill was painted by artist Steve Hedberg, an artist known for his adventures along the James River, for the True Places series. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Friends of the James River Park, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the Park staff to promote, conserve and support the Park.
Learn about each local artist, snag all four limited prints at a discounted gift set rate, place an order that's guaranteed to arrive just in time for the holidays, and keep up with future plans as True Places RVA grows. As an ongoing art experiment, True Places belongs to the community and will evolve with it!
Meet Taekia Glass, this week's guest editor! Taekia is the co-director for the Mending Walls project and operations guru for her husband Hamilton Glass, a popular local artist. Her love of the arts, young people, and community keeps her actively involved in various efforts across the city. Her favorite part about her work is creating connections amongst friends and colleagues that produce new opportunities and energy in Richmond. She’s also a mom to two brilliant and active girls, who keep her constantly on the move. Check out Taekia's tips for exploring and celebrating this place we love to call home ...
Liberated Flow Art Gala
Local artist David Marion and his powerhouse wife Tiara Green had a vision to create an event where they could bring together David’s artistic talents and connections to the art community with Tiara’s love for education and health as a health administrator. Together, they launched Liberated Flow Charity Art Gala, a celebrated event that offers a night of art, music, food, and giving. Now in its third year, the duo selects a different nonprofit each year to support through the event via art and ticket sales. Past events have benefited Nerd Squad and Happily Natural. This year the gala will support the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Make sure to grab your tickets fast, because they are coming in hot this year with some of the best Black artists in town creating unique pieces aligned with the mission of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.You can expect to see pieces from S. Ross Browne, Ricky Parker, Sone-Seere, Ron Stokes, Austin ‘Auz’ Miles, Jowarnise Caston, and many more. Follow Liberated Flow on Instagram @liberatedflow as event organizers release more info about each artist. And it’s not just about the art, as Micah ‘Bam-Bamm’ White will serve as the MC and the mood for the evening will be set musically by DJ Nobe.
I think it’s safe to say you can expect a wonderful night full of creativity through art, music, and food, all in support of the history and legacy that the Black History Museum is here to share with all of us.
Vitals:
Dec. 4th at 7 pm-11 pm at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia / Tickets HERE
Adiva Natural's
There are a few stores in the city that have serious vibes to them, and Adiva Natural’s is one of them! When I walk in, I’m instantly transported back to the stores I used to pop into in New Jersey and New York. It’s vibrant, fragrant, cozy, and the music is always on point.
This creative space has taken care of my family for years. At the helm is Nadira Chase, a local business owner who has been creating small batch natural products for years and has a product to help with just about anything hair and skin related. We started using Adiva years ago to take care of our hair, but then also found it helped with our daughter’s eczema.
Some of my favorite products are: Leave in Conditioner for skin and hair (Lemongrass is our fave fragrance), Aloe and Charcoal Deep Pore Cleanser with facial moisturizing serum, and Hair and Body Refresher. Many of her products are versatile and can be used on hair and body, which helps keep things simple and junk free for those that like a simplified routine.
Did somebody say COOKIES? Local chef Sequoia Ross, or “Chef Coco” as many Richmonders know her, is the genius behind Favour Cookie Co. My family has been fans for years thanks to her understanding of vegan and allergy-friendly baking. Her cookies are absolutely made with her warm hugs and love, that if you’re lucky enough you’ve experienced personally.
About three years ago, Chef Coco took a leap of faith and launched full speed ahead turning Favour Cookie Co. into an empire. In this short time her cookies have exploded and are now sold at some of your favorite local grocers, coffee shops, and online. Some local spots to pick up Favour include Urban Hang Suite, Ellwood's, Green Grocery, Perk, Smoky Mug, and Good Foods. Each cookie is named after a person near and dear to her heart. Our family favorite is ‘The Lillie’ Ultimate Chocolate Chip, named after community leader and strategist Lillie Estes, a dear friend of Chef Coco whose impact in the community is still felt daily.
You can also catch Chef Coco as a regular on CBS6 making magic and jokes in the kitchen on Virginia This Morning. She’s also a regular at Blue Bee Cider, setting up shop to give you another outlet for the best warm cookies around.
Keep up with the latest art and community collaborations. Mending Walls is continuing to raise public awareness about local organizations that have served, empowered, and advocated for racial equity in the Greater Richmond area.
Meet Elaine Digges, this week's guest editor! Elaine is also our newest team member at Richmond Grid and Here Weekly! You’ve likely enjoyed her take on Richmond in the past, thanks to her informative and fun Instagram @miss_elaine_neous where she focuses on telling the stories of Richmond through the representation of all neighborhoods, small businesses, and local events. Her voice and dedication to the River City caught our attention and we knew immediately she would be a perfect fit. Take it away, Elaine!
Accoutre
Rob Bland, owner of Accoutre, has created a home base for the engagement and enjoyment of cooking and eating in RVA. After 16 years of professionally cooking, Rob decided to share his expertise with his hometown. Which means when you walk into his shop in Manchester -- don’t expect to just “shop.” Expect exceptional service, a detailed and thoughtful approach to engagement in the kitchen, and an impressive collection of tools and objects curated by chefs who are passionate about their craft. Rob will instantly take you on a culinary journey, whether you’re a novice or ready to level up your kitchen game. He’ll skillfully unpack your personal inventory with casual conversation of what you’re searching for and how best to meet your kitchen needs. From there, Rob likes to hand-select a product just for you that’s unlike anything else you’re likely to find in Richmond!
Redefining local, fast food is not an easy task. But our friends at Philly Vegan on Hull St. have found a way to make plant-based cuisine taste great and served up fast while positively impacting the community. This winning formula is a result of a family-owned business that has earned a loyal following in Richmond’s Southside and far beyond. They’ve even managed to impress and convert a growing number of the carnivores out there thanks to their fast, no-meat sandwiches and loaded fries with a heaping side of community. And when the fam is not showing off just how delicious vegan food can be, they're actively looking for ways to help others. Once a month, the owners offer a “Pay What You Can” day to allow anyone to chow down on their tasty creations or pay it forward.
Those seeking local goodies made with love can take home the best of RVA by purchasing items from Shelley’s Gift Shop -- like Sophie Printmaking totes, the famous Lammar Marie's Gourmet Popcorn (with flavors like Biscuits & Gravy), and delectable honey products from AR's Hot Southern Honey. All of this thanks to Shelley Evans, a local entrepreneur that hand-picks, packs, and delivers local gifts straight to your doorstep. And, it’s not unusual to receive a handwritten note with your local find! As the shopping season kicks into overdrive in the weeks ahead, consider forgoing the crowds and products made for the masses in favor of Shelley’s carefully curated selection of local, well-made products. In addition to shopping Shelley’s Gift Shop online, Shelley is opening a new brick-and-mortar storefront next week at 1727 W. Main St.
Handmade oyster knives are restocked at Grid Supply Co. just in time for the holidays. These beauties are made from oak bourbon barrel staves from Richmond based Reservoir Distillery! Each oyster shucker, with its distinct handle that has been soaked in bourbon, is finished off with a brass guard and mosaic pins.
Go
