Bill Draper grew up in Stratford Hills near Pony Pasture, and spent his youth hopping rocks, fishing, swimming, and canoeing on the James River. Today, his athletic accomplishments continue to reflect his love for the outdoors and for living a healthy lifestyle. He is a veteran member of the Richmond Sports Backers Marathon Training Team, and is often found cycling on the Virginia Capital Trail or kayaking on the James with friends. He has completed several 500-mile bike rides, two 50-mile ultramarathons, and 31 Richmond Marathons, along with numerous others.
After retiring from a forty-year career in healthcare sales and marketing, Bill began carrying his camera on his outdoor adventures and sharing his photographs of the James River trails, birds, animals, and waterways on social media. His unique photo exploration of the James River Park System has been embraced by the Richmond community, including local media, who often feature his photographs.
Bill will be sharing his photography and the stories behind them at Pine Street. Come and be a part of this special evening. Pine Street is located in the historic Oregon Hill Community. There is a parking lot behind the Pine Street Barber Shop.
NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)
Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.
“Umama, and so she sows“ is sculpted primarily from reclaimed materials found and sourced in the community of Richmond, Virginia.
“Umama” was born out of the eight-week Atlas Artist Summer Residency Program facilitated by ART 180 and in collaboration with the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This one-of-its-kind program offers 10 high school students a paid opportunity to experience mentorship and creative development alongside their peers and two professional working artists, with each young artist dedicating over 100 hours to the creation of “Umama.”
This sculpture was skillfully crafted by South African muralist Xolani Zivunda and Petersburg-based sculpturist Nastassja Swift. Xolani focused much attention on the face and hair of “Umama,” using mosaic tiles from pieces of glass and marble, telephone chords and paper, and pieces of loose brick that were found out in the community. Nastassja contributed heavily to forming the Styrofoam base and using reclaimed materials to form the sculpture.
Sionne Neely, a multifaceted creative and community facilitator, provided additional support by connecting both resident teaching artists to the cultural significance of weaving together the complex histories of oppression in Richmond, Virginia and Cape Town, South Africa. Supporters helped to honor the figurehead as a tribute to the presence of Black women in building community.
“A Symposium of Interviews and Talks on Comics and Manga in Richmond, Virginia’ happens this Saturday, May 4th from 9 am to 5 pm at The Main Branch of The Richmond Public Library, 101 E.Franklin Street.
Hi Neighbors!
My name is Tyler, and I’m having an open house art show to share some of my paintings and furniture making with the neighborhood. Please feel free to stop by tomorrow afternoon at 329 S Laurel!
As with Dave Brockie, Donnie Corker, and Dika Newlin, Richmond is seeing some of its more interesting ‘outsider artists’ pass away. Freed’s illustrations and music certainly captured some of the ‘abandoned’ and haunted vibe of late 80’s/early 90’s Richmond (and especially Oregon Hill). He contributed greatly to Throttle Magazine and so much other local media.
Hopefully he is reunited with his dear wife, Jyl, who preceded him in death.
Jim Bland, of Plan 8 Music, posted some of his artwork, past and recent press in remembrance.
The art component of the new Cary Street Fire Station 12 may include art glass of a photo of Oregon Hill Fire Station 6.
This will be heard today at the City’s Planning Commission as well as a “discussion” of the proposed Richmond 300 amendment for Oregon Hill.
A “ladder chandelier “ is proposed for the open tower space, though some were hoping the plans would include an original, antique bell.
