Meet this week's guest editor, Jesse Smith! When it comes to art and Richmond, Jesse is often found at the center of the conversation. From his beginnings at VCU as an art student to leading the36th Annual Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, he’s been an advocate for creatives in the River City and across the globe. In Carytown, his tattoo studio, Loose Screw Tattoo, is home to 12 diverse tattoo artists and host to a rotating list of international celebrity artists. From his iconic mural outside of Taboo to one of his freshest pieces in Carytown in partnership with All City Art Club, his murals are part of the city’s colorful character. Jesse is also an international mural artist, appeared on seasons two and seven of Ink Master. Jesse has a formidable following, two decades of tattoo industry expertise, and is a relentless innovator in the art world.
Take it away, Jesse ...
Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention
You can find me at the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention October 18-20. The 3-day event brings together world renowned artists from a variety of disciplines for a weekend of connection, creation, and community. Family-friendly fun is infused with Live Art for Charity, interactive comedy shows, Ink Master celebrity experiences, local food, after parties, and more.
My family loves Maymont’s Garden Glow. The annual creative adventure runs from October 16 to November 10, with new light sculptures along the expanded Kinsale Glow Path and the Japanese Garden! It’s a great chance to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.
The Live Art for Charity event during the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention features 15 global artists! Supply RVA will provide materials and set up 3-by-3-foot canvases on Friday for the artists to begin mapping out their masterpieces.
By Sunday, each canvas will be filled with a truly one-of-a-kind piece that event attendees can bid on to support Hope vs. Cancer. The nonprofit marries art with mission in its pursuit to spread awareness of childhood cancer, raise funds for research and clinical trials, and most importantly, lift children’s spirits as they are undergoing treatment. The paintings will be available for auction online after the convention ends on Sunday, October 20.
Through a stroke of luck and RVA charm, Jesse and Carbon Leaf's bassist Jon Markel have become close friends and collaborators. In fact, the tattoos adorning Jon's arms were all created by Jesse!
Carbon Leaf, the Virginia-based indie-rock band known for their fusion of folk and rock, just released its first full-length album in a decade, “Time Is The Playground.” Jon recently enlisted Jesse to design a custom pickguard for his new Lakeland bass, which he’s taking on tour to promote the new album.
Meet this week's guest editor, Shep Roeper! As the co-founder of Beyond Boundaries, Shep believes adventure is for everyone. His Richmond-based nonprofit is on a mission to empower individuals with disabilities, veterans, underserved youth, and those in recovery through adaptive outdoor adventures. Be it rafting along the mighty James or climbing the Manchester Wall, Shep does everything he can to make sure everyone in the River City has an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
When he’s not leading his nonprofit, Shep enjoys spending time with his family. Together, they love paddle-boarding on the James River, creating art, and fishing in local parks.
Take it away, Shep ...
Autumn Garden Walk at Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Being outdoors is something that my family loves to do together, and Agecroft Hall & Gardens is a beautiful place to explore. This walking tour will reveal the history of the formal Renaissance gardens, weaving tales from the days of King Henry VIII's gardening obsession with stories of historic harvest festivals, and the "Virginia Garden" design from the 20th century. Each piece of history adds a layer to the garden's charm.
Who's ready for Halloween? I know we are! We have our skeletons out and orange lights on as long as we can get away with it! What better way to get in the spirit of Halloween than a ghost tour? Throughout October, check out the Haunts of Richmond Ghosts tours and hear all about the best known ghost stories, haunted experiences, and spots that our old city has!
The Bonfire Gala is a special evening of revelry and fundraising around the bonfire at the beautiful Dundee Preserve. Spend the evening with Beyond Boundaries as we come together and enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, auction items, and hear from participants about how Beyond Boundaries has impacted and benefited their lives! This event takes place outside, under the stars, (and a tent with bistro lights) and the dress code is 'fancy bonfire' - "imagine if a cocktail party married a bonfire!"
Vitals:
The Bonfire Gala/ Friday, October 18, 6:00 pm / tickets, $100 pp (enter code HEREXBB for $10 off) / Dundee Preserve, 7301 River Road, Hanover, VA
More about Beyond Boundaries...
Beyond Boundaries is excited to keep growing our impact! We started 9 years ago running 2 rafting trips and working with 15 people. This year we will facilitate over 300 trips and work with 2,500 people! New programs are on the horizon and we are always looking for volunteers.
So stay tuned, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and join us at the Bonfire Gala to support our mission and learn more.
Use code HEREXBB for $10 off per ticket for Here.Weekly subscribers!
Srija is a talented henna artist and co-founder of The VA Foodies, a blog dedicated to showcasing local culinary gems and celebrating diverse flavors. Renowned for her intricate henna work, she loves creating art that bridges cultures. As a nail content creator, she expresses her creativity through vibrant nail designs. Through her blog, Srija inspires others to explore and support local food scenes while sharing her own culinary adventures.
A passionate traveler, Srija enjoys immersing herself in new cultures, seeking out unique local dishes. She’s also a live music fan and is always on the lookout for the best chai in town.
Take it away, Srija...
2nd Street Festival
I’m really looking forward to the 2nd Street Festival this year! I love all the events that Venture Richmond puts on, and this celebration of Jackson Ward’s rich history as “the Harlem of the South” is going to be amazing. With live music, a Kidz Zone, delicious food vendors, and Artists Row for shopping, it’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into the vibrant culture and community spirit!
Vitals:
The 2nd Street Festival / Saturday, October 5th, 11:30 am - 7:00 pm & Sunday, October 6th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm / free / Jackson Ward, along N. 2nd Street between E. Broad and E. Jackson Streets (124 E. Broad Street)
RVA Supporting Appalachia: Benefit Concert
Virginia artists are uniting to raise relief funds for communities hit hard by Hurricane Helene in Southwest VA, Western NC, Eastern TN, and beyond. The RVA Supporting Appalachia Benefit Concert will take place on Sunday, October 6th at Get Tight Lounge and will feature performances by Erin & The Wildfire, Weekend Plans, Fonville, DJHarrison RVA & R4ND4ZZO, Sally Rose, and more! Event proceeds will go to the Appalachian Helene Response Fund.
Let’s lift up our neighbors in Appalachia. Donate & support today!
I can’t wait to experience this cozy event at 1721 E Franklin St, hosted by the amazing team at Sprezza. Their pasta classes are my absolute favorite! We’ll kick off with a glass of prosecco and learn to make Pumpkin Gnocchi and Pecorino Nutmeg Orecchiette Pugliesi. Plus, we'll get to enjoy an autumn-themed cocktail, a Southern Italian antipasto, and a special dessert. It’s the perfect chance to gather with friends and family for a night of great food and fun!
*Limited Supply Remaining*
We've brought back one of our most popular Grid shop items, an Old Fashioned glass that is anything but old fashioned! Our collaboration with artist Hamilton Glass continues, and features his signature #Whosham RVA logo laser-etched around these double rocks cocktail glasses. Hamilton, with his architectural background and passion for public art, has been prominently featured in Richmond Grid and Here Weekly. We’re thrilled to present this limited-edition product from Grid Supply Co. that highlights his distinctive style.
If cocktail glasses aren't your thing, Grid Supply Co. carries other locally made gifts and handmade items by some Richmond's favorite makers and artisans.
After taking a refreshing summer break, I’m excited to jump back into creating content for The VA Foodies! I’ve missed sharing my adventures and can’t wait to showcase some of my existing favorite spots while also exploring new and exciting places to eat, as well as highlighting local businesses and events in our community. There’s so much vibrant culture to discover, and I’m eager to celebrate the amazing flavors and creative spirit that make our area so special.
In addition to my food adventures, I’m thrilled to be expanding Henna by Srija in the community. I’ll be participating in more events and collaborating with other talented creatives and local businesses. One of my most exciting projects is developing a henna workshop! I’ve received so much interest from people wanting to learn about this beautiful art form, and I can’t wait to share my passion for henna with others. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, create, and spread the joy of henna in our community.
I’m also diving deeper into my freelance nail content work and am currently working on a very exciting project with a nail brand. While I can’t share the details just yet, it’s been an amazing experience, and I’m beyond stoked to reveal more soon!
Stay tuned for updates on my latest adventures in food, henna, and nail art—I’m looking forward to an inspiring season ahead!
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