ART

Love Thy Neighbor

Love Thy Neighbor

There was a new guy that moved across the street from me, a new neighbor, and every time he saw me on the front porch puffing away, he asked to bum a smoke. It got so incessant that I had begun smoking in the backyard instead, not wishing to part with any of my...




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SuperName! A Love Letter in Spray Paint to Kids Fighting Cancer

Names have power. They carry history, identity, and meaning. In street art, a name on a wall is a statement: I was here. I matter. For Richmond muralist Basta, names are more than words—they’re a tribute to strength. Through his project SuperName, he’s turning...

From The Village Cafe to Literary Fame: Tom Robbins Dies at 92

Tom Robbins, the celebrated author known for his whimsical storytelling and philosophical wit, passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 92 in La Conner, Washington. Though he became a literary icon in the Pacific Northwest, Robbins' formative years in Richmond,...

Richmond’s SCAG Gallery Pushes for Equity in the Art Market

In the barrenness of the winter months, SCAG (Southside Contemporary Art Gallery) provides a vivid contrast. Hull Street is alive with people hustling about the red brick buildings and snow-encrusted sidewalks. The gallery itself resembles a greenhouse, its entrance...

MJ The Musical Brings The King of Pop to Life at Altria Theater

When MJ The Musical hit the Altria Theater on Tuesday night, Richmond showed up. A packed house, fans rocking single sequined gloves—yeah, the energy was Thrilling (pun intended). As an ‘80s kid, walking into that kind of atmosphere was electric....

A Richmond Hidden Gem | The Story of Gary’s Chalkboard

On Floyd Avenue, in a part of Richmond that still feels like it belongs to its people, there’s a chalkboard. No fanfare, no neon signs, no marketing ploys. Just a weathered board, a question, a quote, and sometimes, a little plastic Magic 8-Ball dangling at the side....

The Richmond Photographer Bearing Witness in Ukraine

In a world where the chaos of war often dominates headlines and conversations, finding quiet moments within that turmoil offers a powerful lens into humanity’s resilience. This is the approach of Virginia-based photographer Noah Stone, whose ongoing series, The...

RVA Magazine 20 Years | Stories from 2005

As we look back on 20 years of publishing RVA Magazine, we’re diving into our origins, beginning with our official launch in 2005. That year marked the debut of RVA Magazine, Issue 1, Volume 1, and our April 15th kickoff event at Gallery5. In the process of archiving,...

Woodland Heights Art Walk: A New Tradition of Art and Community

Richmond’s Woodland Heights neighborhood is kicking off a brand-new tradition this Friday, December 6th, with the Woodland Heights Art Walk, an open house event that promises to bring the community together through creativity and connection. Running from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the walk features an array of local artists showcasing their talents in a...

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2006 | How to See Things in Black, White, Blue, or Green

Next year marks 20 years of the magazine, a milestone that’s inspired us to reflect on the stories that, in hindsight, were not only significant for us but also played a role in shaping the diverse scenes and cultural pockets of Downtown Richmond. Many of these stories have never been shared online or were lost during our transitions between...

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Photos | Downtown Richmond In Black and White by Colin Sheppard

Photographer Colin Sheppard’s latest film photography set, shot on his Nikon N6006 with a 50mm lens and printed on Ilford XP2 Super, captures downtown Richmond in all its gritty, timeless beauty. Ilford XP2 Super is a black-and-white film processed with C-41 color chemicals, offering fine grain, smooth tones, and exceptional detail. This shot of...

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Rooted in Love: Sare Harvell and the Power of Flowers

I recently met with Sare Harvell, a local florist and owner of Warm Flowers, following their floral feature via the Hirschler Flower Fund at the VMFA. We had a long conversation that stemmed from our mutual appreciation of flowers and their language. I have known Sare for quite some time, but I was hesitant to write this article, given the power...

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Photos | Richmond Halloween Parade 2024 by Michael Simon

The Richmond Halloween Parade returned for its 19th year, hosted by All The Saints Theater Company. A Richmond tradition, this parade has always been more than just a celebration—it’s a platform for protest. This year's theme, A Funeral March for Silence, served as a tribute to Palestine and all communities worldwide fighting for their existence....

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Halloween Parade Richmond 2024_photo by Michael Simon_RVA Magazine 2024

BLKS Opens in Richmond! A Black Queer Comedy You Need To See

In Richmond’s diverse arts scene, the BLK VA Theatre Alliance (BVTA) is making waves by spotlighting stories that don’t always get center stage. This nonprofit theater company, driven by a commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility, is all about creating spaces where marginalized voices can shine.In this interview, we talk with BVTA about...

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A Beautiful Freakshow! Inside the Mind of Austin Fitch

Austin Fitch is a man stuck in fast forward. His gestures quick, his speech accelerated, his thoughts - mile a minute. His laugh is loud, and his hugs are easy. Here is a man with more energy in his Tuesday afternoon than most of us can conjure on a Friday night. He’s the type of person I have to try to imagine in repose.  Few Richmonders...

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