More Richmond, VA Graffiti

Enjoy.

Downtown Hampton, Eight Stories Up

Today I had the opportunity to take a few pictures from an observation deck at Hampton’s City Hall.

For quite some time I have wanted to take a picture of the municipal building using natural borders, specifically, the bushes that surround city hall. As I was searching for a respectable angle, a man asked me about what I was specifically shooting. To my surprise, this man turned out to be none other than George Wallace, mayor of our illustrious city. Mayor Wallace then asked how I would feel about taking a few pictures from his office’s observation deck. How could I say no?

What made this occasion even more mind-blowing was that there were not only extraordinary views from the deck, but also, I could not help but notice the utter composure of our Mayor. During my short time with him, I noticed that Mayor Wallace had some form of a relationship with every person in the building. His compassion for his colleagues exemplifies how all of our representatives should carry themselves. I mean this man took the time out of his day to give me the opportunity to take pictures from his personal office perch! For me, that was experiencing Christmas in July!

I would like to take this time out to personally thank Mayor George Wallace for giving me such an opportunity today. Kudos to you!

Norfolk Public Art

In Spring 2014, the city of Norfolk officially established an art district designed to build relationships between business owners, private investors, and civic organizers, in an effort to showcase variations of art and other creative ventures throughout the area. The Norfolk Emerging Arts District (NEAD), or Norfolk Arts District, is set in an area between Brambleton Ave and Granby St/9th St in Downtown Norfolk. The project is very similar to the Richmond, VA art plan, which began in 2011.

Politics aside, I think that this district is a great idea for people from all likes of art in Hampton Roads. Such a district can grow with the support of local businesses, educational institutions (Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and Tidewater Community College), the citizens of Norfolk, and other Hampton Roads communities. From my view as a frequent visitor to Richmond, I must admit that I truly desire for Hampton Roads to have the support in the arts that the city of Richmond has displayed for itself. Hopefully, the Norfolk Arts District will gain the support of the city and will continue to grow for years to come.

Here are a few examples of some current pieces of art around the district: