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, we realized that many articles from our early print issues—specifically from 2005 – 2008-—never made it online.
Over the past few days, we’ve been gathering text and imagery from these early editions and uploading them to highlight the talent and spirit that helped shape our beginnings. These stories offer a snapshot of Richmond’s creative energy in those early days, before our little zine grew into the publication you know today.
The Birth of a Gallery by Parker
We start with an interview featuring Amanda Robinson of Gallery5. The connection felt natural—RVA Magazine began as a response to our generation’s need for spaces to create, share, and shape our version of Richmond. Gallery5 became that space, solving those problems in one bold move. Read it HERE
The WRITING of M. Dulin
M. Dulin’s work stood out for its ability to connect with those on Richmond’s fringes—whether through stories about drug use, train-hopping hobos, or afternoons spent along the James River. These pieces offer a glimpse into Richmond’s raw edge in 2005. (If anyone knows how to reach M. Dulin, now reportedly teaching in Japan, let them know these pieces are online!)
We also want to thank Brian Nozynski for contributing the illustration to these pieces.
Read ‘Seven Ways to Sunday by M. Dulin’ HERE
Read ‘They Had to Shit Somewhere in the Garden of Eden By M. Dulin’ HERE
Read ‘The Chronic Licking of a Self-Inflicted Wound by M. Dulin’ HERE
The Quietly Amazing Dash Shaw by Jane Samborski
Dash Shaw was already making waves in the comic and graphic novel world when this interview took place. Since then, he’s published award-winning works and contributed to the formation of Richmond Animation Festival, which recently celebrated its second year. Read it HERE
OURA X by Kimberly Frost
“Oura Sananikone is a mad scientist,” begins this piece—and he still is. As part of Toy Lair in Carytown, Oura’s creative energy has left a lasting mark on Richmond. He was one of the first artists to collaborate with RVA Magazine, and we’re overdue for a follow-up interview. Read it HERE
Todd Raviotta, Richmond Filmmaker by Teddy Blanks
Todd Raviotta was instrumental in the community focused thinking behind RVA Magazine. His filmmaking, guidance, and moral support provided a strong foundation during our early days and continues. This interview, conducted by our first movie critic Teddy Blanks, highlights Todd’s influence. (Teddy, by the way, recently graced the front page of The New York Times for his creative work with today’s biggest film stars.) Read it HERE
Playing with Fire by Parker
Fire performances weren’t always part of Richmond’s culture, but this article might be the first local introduction to the art form. Around this time, Burning Man’s influence from the West Coast began shaping certain creative circles here, with Gallery5 at the center. This movement eventually birthed the Richmond’s Party Liberation Foundation, which still throws massive events to this day. Read it HERE
A Meeting with Jesse Split & Miz JoAnna O of Turnstyle by Donny George
In 2005, Richmond’s underground techno scene was just starting to gain traction with mainstream audiences, setting the stage for its peak during the RVAlution era (2010–2013), driven by the PLF and Brain Drain crews. Turnstyle, founded by Jesse Split and JoAnna O on Broad Street, served as a vital hub for DJs, parties, and community-building. The relationships and networks formed during that time continue to energize Richmond’s EDM scene today. Read it HERE
What Richmond Jazz Scene? by Brandon Martin
Richmond has always had a jazz scene, but 2005 marked a turning point when key players started gaining traction. As social media connected previously disparate artists, bands like Fight the Big Bull and NO BS Brass brought jazz into the spotlight with sold-out shows around VCU and The Fan in the following years to come. This article captures the seeds of that evolution. Read it HERE
Support Local Mayhem by Rebecca Johnson
House parties were a cornerstone of Richmond’s social scene in 2005. Many of these gatherings evolved into larger events, including the burgeoning local wrestling scene. This article marks the first time RVA Magazine intersected with that world, which would later feature prominently in our first street festival, “Falling from Grace”. Read it HERE
Look What the Cat Dragged In: Taking Dumpster Diving Seriously by Tess Dixon
In 2005, dumpster diving was a way of life for many of us in Richmond. Tess Dixon, our first editor, captured this slice of life, reflecting a time when individual style and home décor were often crafted from second-hand finds. Read it HERE
Why This Yankee Fell for Richmond’s Unique Blend of Grit and Grace by Veronica Mewes
Veronica Mewes, a self-proclaimed Yankee, fell in love with Richmond for the same reasons many of us did: cheap rent, minimal traffic, and an unpretentious, laid-back charm. Her piece captures the grit and grace that made the city so special in those days. Read it HERE
These stories highlight just how far we’ve come and the incredible growth of Richmond’s creative community. There’s more to share, and we’ll continue releasing as much as possible leading up to the 20-year exhibit we’re planning with Gallery5 for April’s First Fridays. Stay tuned!
Mina image by Stuntkid and was an illustration used in the “Falling From Grace” festival mentioned earlier.
