Meet this week's guest editor, Hamilton Glass! Originally from Philadelphia, Hamilton was inspired by the city's murals and street art, as well as the fine art at the Corcoran Gallery. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Hampton University.
Hamilton worked in architecture for seven years at Thomas Hamilton and Associates and Baskerville before transitioning to public art in 2012. Since creating his first mural in Richmond in 2011, he has completed over 300 murals, including many found on the walls throughout Richmond Public Schools.
Hamilton has won numerous awards for his public art and community engagement. His designs, influenced by his architectural background, feature precise lines, scale, and balance, while bright colors and dynamic shapes convey energy and movement. Hamilton loves creating multi-layered projects that amplify diverse voices.
Outside of art, Hamilton is a seafood enthusiast and enjoys cycling on the Capitol Trail, a passion that began during the pandemic.
Take it away, Hamilton ...
804 Day in Shockoe Bottom
Don't miss the return of 804 Day in Shockoe Bottom on Friday, August 2nd, from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the vibrant 17th Street Market! Curated by Shockoe Records, this annual event features a lineup of local performers across multiple stages, an array of vendors, food options, and dedicated non-profits. Celebrate the unique creativity that defines the 804 / Richmond / RVA community.
Vitals:
804 Day in Shockoe Bottom / Friday, August 2nd, 4:00 - 9:00 pm / Free / 17th Street Market, 100 N 17th Street
Heart & Soul Festival
On Sunday, August 4th, join me at the inaugural Heart and Soul Festival, hosted by Richmond Black Restaurant Experience and UnlockingRVA, at Hardywood West Creek. This event will feature many community partners, including Massanutten Four Season Resort, Richmond Kickers, Ivy Soccer Club, NASCAR/Richmond Raceway, VMFA, Studio Two Three, and The Well Collective.
During the Festival, don't miss the Black History Museum's traveling exhibit, “Virginia is for Music Lovers,” celebrating Virginia's Black Excellence in Music. This exhibit highlights the collaborative spirit between Virginia musicians and visual artists, showcasing the talents of DJs ALLNATUREL, DJ Adapt, DJ Ron P, Hip-Hop Henry, J. Fruncis, and Mike Street. You'll also admire the powerful art created by Unicia R. Buster, Nadd Harvin, Jowarnise, David Marion, Ron Stokes, and Chris Visions. Come experience the sense of community that makes Richmond so special.
Vitals:
Heart & Soul Festival / Sunday, August 4th, 12:00 - 7:00 pm / free GA, $50 VIP / Hardywood Park Craft Brewery - West Creek, 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive
Kyle Epps Residency at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
In celebration of its Flourish 40th anniversary, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (LGBG) has commissioned contemporary American multi-disciplinary artist Kyle Epps as its artist-in-residence from April to September 30, 2024. Epps' work will delve into the garden’s landscape and history through various media. During the residency, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet and engage with Epps, experiencing the Garden through the artist's perspective.
Over the past few years, my wife Taekia Glass, our passionate team, and I have worked diligently to continue the mission of Mending Walls, a project I started in 2020 after George Floyd's murder. Mending Walls uses collaborative, community-engaged art to promote social justice by fostering conversations that build empathy, understanding, and healing. Through these conversations, artists and community members from diverse backgrounds create murals throughout the city.
In four years, Mending Walls has produced over 20 pieces of public art, collaborated with artists in various mediums like poetry and dance, released a conversation coffee table book, and an Emmy-winning documentary now airing nationally on PBS. We also conduct walking tours, classroom visits, and speaking engagements in Richmond and across the country.
This year, Mending Walls achieved 501(c)(3) status, aiming to build a sustainable organization that not only creates public art but also fosters connection and empathy through creative conversations. Exciting projects and partnerships are on the horizon in Richmond and beyond. To stay updated or support us, visit mendingwallsrva.com to sign up for our newsletter and learn more about our future plans.
