Monroe Park Occupied

In case you were wondering whats going on across from Gladding Hall in Monroe Park, there’s an anarchist action taking place called “Occupy Monroe Park”.

From Facebook event page:

In a time of mass layoffs, increasing criminalization of homelessness and immigrants, gentrification, rising tuition costs, union busting, foreclosures, legislative attacks on the reproductive autonomy of women, rampant homo- and trans- phobia, an ever increasing gap between the rich and the poor, a still-prevelant system of institutional racism, and constant police surveillance and repression, there is only one option for those who seek to maintain their dignity and their hope…… RESIST!

The capitalist system will crush us all unless we refuse to be crushed. Take back the world that is being stolen from you!

Bring camping gear and your aspirations for a better world. The occupation starts NOW.

This Week at Byrd House Renegade Market

From announcement:

Faith Farm Foods – Mugsy’s Dogtown Treats – Byrd Farm/Rural Va Market – Snider Bros. – Subrosa Breads

and … well, you know how renegades are… kinda mavericky, y’know? Come on by and see who’s there – with the great goods at BHM’s Renegade Market, Tuesday, 3-5:30 pm

RETURNING AND PROSPECTIVE VENDORS: Don’t forget the VENDOR ORIENTATION MEETING on Tuesday, 1-2 pm. Share one scant hour getting up to speed on the Ways & Means of BYRD HOUSE MARKET AND YOU! RSVP please, thanks.

Coming soon:

Sacred Spaces in Oregon Hill

The Commonwealth Society, part of VCU’s Special Programs, offers opportunities to meet new people, explore new subjects, enjoy field trips and much more.

Coming up on their Spring 2011 schedule is “Sacred Spaces in Oregon Hill” (click any preceding text for website):

Wednesdays, April 27 to May 25
9 to 11 a.m.

Oregon Hill Historic District is a fine 19th- and early-20th-century working-class neighborhood with architecture and streetscapes that illustrate how industrial workers lived. Access to the James River and Kanawha Canal and the industries that were growing along these waterways furthered and expanded the growth of the population in the area. Through lectures and walking tours, we will look at the history of this Richmond neighborhood and examine such landmarks as Hollywood Cemetery, St. Andrews and Pine Street churches and the Virginia War Memorial.

Instructor: Edwin Slipek Jr., an architectural historian and architecture critic for Style Weekly, teaches at VCU and Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies.

I don’t know if if this class is full yet, but for more information, you can call (804) 828-3635 or e-mail psworley at vcu.edu.

Solidarity is Sexy!

This evening at 7 pm at the Flying Brick Library:

Solidarity is Sexy!: International Sex Worker’s Rights Day will be an event to remember! Join sex workers and their allies to discuss the intersections of radical politics, sex work, consent, patriarchy, class struggle, and gender identity. Learn about one of the most marginalized groups of workers and the fight for autonomy and respect.

RVANews.com Profiles Minimum Wage Studio

From the RVANews.com article:

Grab a handful of CDs from Richmond bands. If you check the liner notes, one name will likely appear more frequently than the rest. Lance Koehler has been professionally capturing the sounds of Richmond for a decade and he shows no signs of slowing down.

More familiar to music fans as the drummer from No B.S. Brass, Lance Koehler’s approach to recording has earned him hundreds of credits recording bands in Richmond. Minimum Wage Recording, which was created just outside the French Quarter in New Orleans and is now located in Oregon Hill in Richmond, Virginia, is the product of a very strong vision. Working tirelessly, Koehler offers very affordable rates that enable artists the ability to experiment and spend extended periods of time in a professional studio.

Byrd House Bash! Call to Artists

From announcement:

Calling all Richmond artists! We invite you to participate in the William Byrd Community House’s annual Byrd House Bash on May 26! We are asking local artists to create and donate a one-of-a-kind piece of “bird” themed artwork to be auctioned off at this fun and cherished event. From quirky bird houses to whimsical paintings, unique sculptures to artisan jewelry, your imaginative pieces of art will help support the William Byrd Community House’s many valuable programs. Let your imagination soar as you build your creation—in whatever shape, color, size or material you prefer.

If you are interested in donating to the Byrd House Bash or would like to see pictures of last year’s donated pieces for inspiration, please contact Jessica Turner at jturner at wbch.org or call 804-643-2717. We ask that complete projects are turned in to Jessica no later than May 16. To learn more about the William Byrd Community House, please visit www.wbch.org.