Meet this week's guest editor, Jeff Bybee, here to encourage you to jump into July with a handful of recommendations. First, a little bit about Jeff.
After working various marketing and production roles forever in NYC; he needed a change. Friends persuaded him to come back to RVA for a weekend trip, and long story short, he returned to the place that had been his home away from home for a third and final time. He began to find his way around town again and started producing at Hue+Cry; more on that below. Skip seven years and now as the Executive Producer, he still gets to work in animation, collaborating with some of the industry's finest talents. Richmond's creative community, brimming with artists, musicians, and filmmakers, has flourished over time and Jeff feels right at home.
Jeff and his husband, Chris, live in the Oxford/Bon Air area with their adorably sassy Brussels Griffon pup, Rocky. Jeff has a huge love for all things art, music, and film, and is a classically trained musician who recently performed with the Richmond Philharmonic. He also has a lifelong enthusiasm for all things horror—the gorier, the better—and has ventured into special effects makeup, with his work featured in commercials, short films, and video game trailers.
Take it away, Jeff ...
RVA Square Dance at Studio Two Three
Creative juggernaut Studio Two Three is at it again; this time square dancing is on the menu. Yeehaw!!
I love spending time in their newly renovated flagship studio in Manchester and what better way to not only come and support this wonderful organization but also learn the ABCs of square dancing? If you already know how to hoe down; come and strut your stuff! All ages welcome and open to the public!
From their humble beginnings operating as a mobile silk screen truck, the staff at Studio Two-Three truly know how to host an event by engaging and bringing communities together through art, education and fun!
Vitals:
RVA Square Dance at Studio Two Three / Saturday, July 13 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm / open to the public, suggested contribution of $5 - $10 / Studio Two Three, 109 W 15th Street
Photo courtesy of Studio Two Three
Haunted Ashland History Ghost Tour
In addition to loving all things animation, I'm also a huge fan of all things horror and spooky. Although it's not Halloween season just yet, there are several creepy things that happen throughout the year here in the area. One not to be missed is the Haunted Ashland History Ghost Tour!
Located in downtown Ashland, once night falls, you'll hear stories of this historic town that celebrate it's fascinating, yet twisted history. Brought to you by the local masters of macabre; the Red Vein Army, this July is a special one as the attraction celebrates five years! Use code: BOODAY24 all month long to save 20% on tickets.
I love art, and this month there are two exhibitions happening concurrently at the Iridian Gallery; Julian Cobb's Limitations of Isolation, and Arista Alanis' Eureka!
Julian Cobb, a visual artist, works primarily with mold making, metal, and wood. Her dark pieces draw inspiration from Chinese mythology, comic books, and films. In contrast, Arista Alanis offers bright, colorful abstract works inspired by her Mexican heritage and life experiences.
As part of Diversity Richmond, Iridian is the South's only LGBTQ+ gallery and one of the few in the country. It regularly features poignant and forward-thinking exhibits. Don't miss their "Bling It Out" auction this fall—it's always a hit.
Vitals:
Art Exibitions at Iridian Gallery / Monday - Sunday, 10:00 - 6:00 pm / free and open to the public / 1407 Sherwood Avenue
Photo courtesy of diveristyrichmond.org
More about Hue+Cry.
Originally born out of the Martin Agency, Hue+Cry thrives as an independent animation and design studio with an acute focus on Animation (2D, 3D and motion graphics) as well as brand design and strategy.
We've worked with some of the best agencies on the planet including Ogilvy, Publicis, McCann and BBDO with such well-known brands as Yahoo, Oreo and Zillow.
Our team is constantly looking to diversify our client offerings; particularly with re-branding in order to refresh their current look and identity.
Additionally, this year is a huge milestone for Hue+Cry, as we're celebrating our ten-year anniversary and we'll be posting more about later this year. I can say that while the advertising landscape is constantly changing; it’s an exciting time to do what we do.
