Art Meets Age and Grace: Circle Center Unveils Stunning New Mural by Nico Cathcart

by | Feb 7, 2023 | ART, OUTDOORS, RICHMOND NEWS, STREET ART

We are late on this one but back in December, Circle Center Adult Day Services unveiled a one-of-a-kind mural that celebrated the beauty and grace of aging. Designed by talented RVA-based artist Nico Cathcart, the massive 75’x18′ mural is a great way to bring a spotlight on aging and how our society tends to forget the generation that raised us.

nico Cathcart
Artist Nico Cathcart, photo by Caroline Shelnut

The “Age and Grace” mural features four of Circle Center’s participants, each of whom was captured in stunning detail by Nico and local artist and photographer Caroline Shelnut. “I was inspired by Circle Center’s dedication to treating everyone with dignity and respect,” says Nico. “I wanted to capture the essence of these individuals and showcase their beauty through art.”

Renaissance photo project by Caroline Shelnut Renaissance photo project by Caroline Shelnut Renaissance photo project by Caroline Shelnut
Photos for The Renaissance Photo Project by Caroline Shelnut

Caroline Shelnut, Creative Arts Coordinator for Hermitage Richmond, has taken over 30 Renaissance-inspired photographs of the residents with whom she works. “What I love about Renaissance art is that it features people of all ages,” says Caroline. She went on to say, “Whenever I photograph older adults, I want them to see themselves the way that I see them, as wonderful, valuable and beautiful human beings.” 

Circle Center is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the Richmond community for over 46 years. They provide a compassionate and enriching environment for older adults and their caregivers, helping individuals live at home longer while providing peace of mind and support. This new mural is a testament to their commitment to improving the lives of those they serve.

“We’re thrilled to be unveiling this beautiful work of art and to be able to share it with our supporters,” says Heather Turbyne-Pollard, Circle Center’s CEO. “It’s simply breathtaking in its size and in how well Nico captured the personalities of our participants.”

Don’t miss out on the chance to see the “Age and Grace” mural in person. Visit Circle Center’s Facebook and Instagram to learn more.

Follow Nico Cathcart: @nicocathcart
Follow Caroline Shelnut: @inashelnut
Follow Circle Center: @circlecenterva

For more information on Circle Center, www.circlecenterva.org

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




more in art

Review | BLKS is a Mixed Bag at Richmond Triangle Players

I often come off like a chihuahua on sugar pills when reviewing plays for this magazine. I am excitable, yes, but never in the service of idle flattery. I also take no joy in being critical of people’s hard work. I’ve said this whole thing before several times, but I...

Review | Dog Mom is Theatre at Its Best, Here or Anywhere Else

There are days of doing this when I just get to gush. Today is one of those days.  I have had the pleasure this past year of witnessing some of the best theatre of my life. VA Rep’s Primary Trust floored me. Richmond Shakespeare continued their epic run of hits...

Studio Two Three Is Beefing With Bots. Among Other Things

Studio Two Three has been around long enough to forget how likely it was to fail. Sixteen years ago, a small group of friends wanted to keep making art in Richmond. They pooled money from working in local restaurants to pay rent, borrowed equipment and built an...

Richmond Got a Little Filthier. John Waters Was Here.

Monday night I got taken to a church of filth. The Pope of Trash, the Prince of Puke, the Sultan of Sleaze, John Waters, graced the Byrd Theatre for a sold-out one-man show. The actor, writer and director became famous for cult classics like Pink Flamingos, Hairspray...

It’s Still Our City Ep. 24 | Ed Harrington

RVA Mag and NODDERLY presents It’s Still Our City, a podcast hosted by Harrison Christy and with Clair Morgan as co-host and producer through NODDERLY. "Ed Harrington moved to Richmond in 1993 to study art at VCU. At VCU, he was a Communication Arts major with a...

Review | Virginia Rep Gets Everything Wrong, and It’s Hilarious

Okay, I wasn’t prepared for the complete gut-busting insanity of The Play That Goes Wrong at Virginia Repertory Theatre’s November Theatre. Before heading to the Iron Blossom Festival this past Sunday, I caught a matinee. I didn’t know much about this play other than...