RVA First Fridays February 2023: Storm The Gates!

Let’s back into it and mark your calendars as the Richmond Arts District is set to host February First Fridays this Friday, February 3rd! This celebration of the arts will feature opening exhibits, live performances, community celebrations and more throughout the district’s galleries, restaurants and shops.

Here are a few of the events that you can look forward to:

1. Nadah El Shazly at the ICA / 7-9 PM Join the ICA for a mesmerizing performance by Cairo-based producer, vocalist, and sound artist Nadah El Shazly. Her debut album “Ahwar” offers a fresh take on the popular music of her homeland from the early 19th century and pushes the boundaries of sonic and harmonic frontiers. You can enjoy her haunting sound pieces and song forms for free.
2. Storm the Gates at ART 180’s Atlas Gallery / 5-9 PM ART 180, All City Art Club, and Supply present the first exhibition of the year: Storm the Gates, celebrating graffiti artists, illustrators, cartoonists, and bridging the gap between street art and gallery spaces. Don’t miss this chance to see some fantastic artwork, all for free.
3. Twins (1988) + HOTPROV / 7:30 PM and Grandma Cat & Movies / 9 PM at Coalition Theater Head to the Coalition Theater for a night of comedy with local long-form improv comedy from Grandma Cat and The Movies or catch the improv double feature with Twins (1988) and HOTPROV. Tickets are $10.
4. The Art of Us at Gallery5 / 5 PM-Close February’s exhibition at Gallery5 explores the questions of insecurity and perfection through the lens of the body. You can view the works of artists like Kat McCrory, Katie Bosch, Lydia Armstrong, Molly Huey, and more. The event is free and will feature music by WKNDR, SWEET POTATOES, FALSE NECTAR, and STRAWBERRY MOON starting at 7:45 PM.

Getting to First Fridays is easy, with the GRTC Pulse and public transit available for free. Plan your route and find bus schedules on the GRTC website. Parking is also available, with several options for lots and decks, including Parking.com and CityParking Inc. locations. On-street parking is also available, with free 2-hour parking along Broad, Grace, Franklin, Marshall and Clay Streets.

So, don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate the arts and enjoy a night of exhibitions, live performances, and community events at this February’s First Fridays in the Richmond Arts District!