CHARGED Exhibit at Commune NFK

CHARGED is a local art exhibition that is on display at the Work Release Gallery at Commune NFK. The exhibit displays the work of ten artists, all fashioned from neon lights. The exhibit is also considered the 3rd Annual NEON Exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Clay McGlamory and Assistant Curator Cate Currier. The exhibit will be on display from June 23rd to July 23rd.

Independence Day Celebration from Norfolk, VA

Here are a few pictures from the 34th Annual 4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks show in Norfolk, VA. I took the following pictures and video on the Portsmouth side of the Elizabeth River. My goal was to capture both the boats and the marina in the shot, but the location where I planned on setting up shop was overcrowded. I moved a few feet down from the anticipated spot and the pictures turned out great. The video is from the finale of the show. Enjoy!

The Ghosts of President's Park

In March 2004, President's Park opened in Williamsburg, VA. The ten-acre park displayed large bust sculptures of all forty-three presidents in chronological order. The park also included a replica of the Oval Office and a souvenir shop. Prior to the opening, I can remember when the statues were stored behind some trees on Route 199. I remember seeing the huge heads and asking myself, “What in the world are those and where are they going?”

Eventually the statues were moved to the nearby site and President’s Park opened as one of the many historical institutions in Williamsburg. The museum was composed of both an indoor and an outdoor facility. Inside there was a small theater, a replica of the Oval Office, and a gift shop. Outside, there was a winding path that guided you through the presidential sculptures as well as other displays of historical information.

I believe that I visited the museum four or five times. I enjoyed the historical standpoint of the park, but I always felt that there was something missing from the site. Maybe the museum needed more presidential artifacts or more presidential inspired movies. Or even a replica of Marine One or a presidential limo. All in all, it was a pretty cool concept at first, but the park lost its luster as the years went by. There became fewer visitors, but neither the artifacts nor the sculptures changed. I remember that when there was talk of adding the Barack Obama sculpture, the museum was already in a financial crisis due to the lack of visitors.

On September 30, 2010, the park closed due to financial issues. The site remained dormant for some time. Eventually the land was auctioned off in 2012, and the statues were moved to a farm in Croaker, VA.

As of now there is talk of reopening a similar venue, but with more attractions that would detail the daily duties of the President of the United States as well as other similar points of interest. Unfortunately, several of the current sculptures cannot be used due to the damage that was sustained when the busts were moved from the park to the farm.

The deterioration of those monumental busts is unfortunate, but even on a cold winter’s day, one can still observe the majesty of the sculptures with pure delight.

The Hampton Roads Convention Center Gets Festive

Has anyone noticed that the Hampton Roads Convention Center has gotten a little festive this holiday season? This year the venue has decided to light the canopy with an alternating green and red color scheme. The lighting is produced by two sets of LED lights that alternate colors every five seconds. What’s really cool is as the lighting outside changes, the color scheme on the inside changes as well. Also, the LED lights on the posts outside of the building are lighted in a red and green color scheme as well.

Kudos to whomever came up with this idea. I hope that this trend of decorating the venue will continue in the future.

27th Annual Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade

Here are a few pictures from the 27th Annual Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade in Hampton, VA. Happy Holidays!

Hampton Landmarks Show Solidarity to France

This week the city of Hampton, VA lit up two of its most prominent landmarks with the Tricolore in solidarity with France.

One of Hampton's four sister cities is Vendôme.

Surfing Buckroe

The Buckroe Beach tide was pretty rough due to Hurricane Joaquin passing by. Although some might consider these conditions dangerous, a few individuals decided to take danger by the horns.