VOL. 220 / STROLL Meet Rachel Scott Everett, this week’s guest editor and Co-Founder & Creative Director of EVERGIB, a nomadic creative studio specializing in strategically led advertising and branding.  As an alum of the VCU Brandcenter, Rachel worked at ad agencies in Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas for 12+ years before returning to Richmond with her partner in work and life, Brian Gibson. In addition to creating ad campaigns for national clients like Atlantis Resort and Dollywood, she’s developed impactful branding work for local non-profit organizations including Richmond Ballet, Startup Virginia, The Richmond Forum, VPM, and VoteEquality US. She recently shared her journey in a talk for CreativeMornings Richmond here.   While based in Richmond, Rachel travels extensively and has backpacked through more than 60 countries across six continents. She recently shared her journey about creating her own rhythm in a talk for CreativeMornings Richmond.  An avid supporter of local arts and culture, she feels hopeful about the city’s continuing evolution as a capital of creativity. When not working or wandering, Rachel practices yoga and loves to dance any chance she gets. Take it away, Rachel… Photo: EVERGIB / Brian Gibson Get Your Stroll On   Fan Arts Stroll is an annual event bringing joy to the community through local art and music in Richmond’s historic Fan neighborhood.  Initially a grassroots effort run by a tiny team of volunteers (myself included), the Fan District Association now heads up the stroll with the support of local sponsors. This year’s event will feature 125 artists, musicians, vendors and performers along the 10-block strolling path. Brian and I are excited to welcome back students from GreenSpring International Academy of Music to play on our front porch. Fan Arts Stroll is free and open to everyone (tips are greatly appreciated for our performers.) As street parking can be limited, walking, carpooling or Uber/Lyft is recommended. Stay up to date here: Fan Arts Stroll Facebook Page Vitals: Fan Arts Stroll / Thursday, May 16 & Friday, May 17, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, free / The Fan: 2000-2500 blocks of Hanover Avenue & 2200-2500 blocks of Grove Avenue  Photo: EVERGIB / Brian Gibson Dance the Night Away After the stroll on Thursday, all roads lead to Havana 59 for Tropical Thursdays in downtown Shockoe Bottom.  I’ve been salsa dancing at this iconic Cuban bar & restaurant for over a decade. I love how diverse, inclusive and welcoming the salsa community is — not just in Richmond, but around the world. A group lesson starts at 8pm followed by social dancing that includes salsa, bachata, merengue and more.  Can’t make it Thursday? No worries, there’s somewhere to dance nearly every night of the week - check out the FB group: Richmond Salsa Community. See you on the dance floor! Vitals: Tropical Thursdays / Thursday, May 16, 8:00 pm - midnight, $5 (21+) / Havana 59: 16 North 17th Street Photo: Yani Justina Lounging on the Lawn   May kicks off VMFA’s After 5 Fridays outdoors — my favorite place to be on Friday evenings in the spring and summer.  On a beautiful night, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a drink in hand and people-watching on the hillside. This Friday, the River City Taiko Drummers will perform. While there, don’t miss the museum’s surprisingly stylish exhibit on Samurai Armor.  Vitals: After 5 Fridays / Friday, 5:30 pm - 8pm, free / Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Robins Sculpture Garden: 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard Photo: EVERGIB / Rachel Scott Everett More From Rachel. Since 2016, I’ve worked to leverage my creative expertise in activism and speak out where I can. As a contributing writer for RVA Mag and other publications, my essays have promoted action and advocacy related to some of the most pressing issues facing our community. In under six months, we'll vote in a pivotal U.S. election. While many are rightfully disheartened about the state of U.S. politics and our country’s role in worldwide affairs,  it’s important we choose action over apathy. Shaping the world we want to live in requires everyone’s participation and it begins on a local level. Virginia's Primary Elections are on June 18, with early voting from June 8, and the U.S. Presidential Election on November 5, with early voting from October 26. I'm participating in Vote Save America's initiatives. Remember to vote and inspire others to do the same! Photo: Kisha Bari Learn More Richmondclaire prendergastMay 16, 2024shop, dance, go Richmond, VA, 23220, United States hi@hereweekly.com Hours Copyright © Here. Weekly Photos by Kate Magee   |  Website by Skirven & Croft