Meet Kleigh Koupal, this week’s guest editor. Kleigh is the co-founder of "The Effect Run Club," a new run club launching in February that's built on community, not pace. An enthusiastic extrovert with a love for physical activity, Kleigh has a passion for combining running with exploring and celebrating Richmond with others. His athletic background spans from collegiate swimming to marathon running, emphasizing his deep-rooted joy for group exercise. And when he's not on the move, you can find him collaborating with local businesses as an employee benefits consultant where he generates innovative solutions for employee engagement and satisfaction. Today, Kleigh is here to provide Here readers with a handful of recommendations for the weekend ahead.
Take it away, Kleigh...
First Fridays in the Arts District
Since moving back to Richmond, I have always loved First Fridays. This Friday, February 2nd, First Fridays in the Richmond Arts District is back! Featuring Mylo's documentation of Broad Street Bullies and other artists at Gallery5, the grand opening of Jackson Ward's newest home and pantry shop Odd Bird, portraits at the Library of Virginia, studio art at Red Amp Audio, and more...this isn't one to miss! Keep an eye on social media for a round-up of all the First Fridays events. This is a celebration of culture, art, music, and community that everyone can get behind!
It's always a good time when Kendall Street Company rolls through Richmond. Make sure to catch them this Friday, February 2nd, for their highly anticipated show at The Broadberry. Kendall Street offers a blend of eclectic rock and will leave you laughing with comedic bits and fun stories throughout their set. Plus, the Broadberry is always an awesome venue, with an intimate vibe; a little known fact...they have the best chicken tenders in town!
On Tuesday, February 6th, join Paul Spicer and Erin Provencher at Common House in the Social Hall (4th Floor) for drinks and conversation after the work day. Grab a bite, a drink, and celebrate 200 volumes of Here.Weekly, Grid's online publication that has been a source of community-building and inspiration since 2017. The happy hour will feature former Guest Editors (a.k.a. local change-makers, friends, and partners of Grid), along with a powerful poetry reading from Richmond's Poet Laureate, Roscoe Burnems.
I always love to check out what the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is putting on throughout the year. Join VMFA in a celebration of the Lunar New Year and ChinaFest: Year of the Metal Rat! Explore Chinese art and culture through art-making activities, demonstrations, and performances. Highlights include: creating a Tao Tie-inspired paper vessel, creating your own lion mask, watching the dynamic Lion Dance, beautiful performances by Yu Dance Arts, and more! Also this event is free and who doesn't love free things to do on a Saturday?
Kleigh, along with co-founders Christie and Grace, are excited to bring The Effect Run Club to Richmond on February 13th. The idea for The Effect Run Club was born simply because the founders saw a need for a run club centered around community rather than pace. The club aims to create an environment for meeting new people and to have fun while running with low stakes and low pressure; you can consider this a social run club. A variety of social elements will be incorporated into each weekly run to promote and foster community and socialization with club members. Some of those activities will include post run coffee, themed runs, Happy Hour runs, and more. The club is free and plans to meet every Tuesday.
