Meet this week’s guest editor, Beth Anne Booth! Beth Anne is an artist, survivor, and advocate for the healing power of creativity and nature. A Williamsburg, Virginia, native, she studied art history and design at the University of Alabama, Oxford University, and the Corcoran College of Art + Design. Her career has spanned prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, and Richmond’s arts and culture scene, most recently at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
A woman in recovery, Beth Anne shares openly about her sober journey, which has provided her with a strong spiritual foundation. In 2022, she faced a life-altering lung disease that led to a double-lung transplant in June 2024. Through it all, she found strength in abstract expressionism, embracing the deep connection between art and healing.
Now based in Richmond, Beth Anne continues to create, travel for live music, and draw inspiration from bold colors, eclectic textures, and the natural world. She collects Mexican folk art, finds comfort in hawks, and secretly dreams of being a DJ.
Take it away, Beth Anne ...
photo credit: John Enright
Valentines Day at Rosewood
Stop by Rosewood Clothing on Friday, February 14th, starting at 12:00 pm, to pick up a beautiful premade bouquet—perfect for your sweetheart or yourself! All proceeds will benefit Safe Harbor RVA, supporting survivors of violence and abuse. Swing by, grab a bouquet, and help spread the love while supplies last!
Soul for Soil (January 31 – March 27, 2025) at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden explores the deep historical and spiritual bond between African American culture and the natural world. Curated by The Art Seen, this exhibit highlights resilience, creativity, and renewal through an artistic lens. Located in the Community Art Gallery in the Kelly Education Center, it is included with Garden admission.
Portals, a community-based exhibition in Shockoe Bottom, is on display now through the end of February. Created by the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) in collaboration with the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities, with support from Venture Richmond and The Art Seen, this exhibit features large-scale historic photographs showcasing African American life from the early 1800s to the 1980s.
image credit: Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
More from Beth Anne...
I created Healing Whole Arts in 2021 as a space for reflection, healing, and creativity—unaware that it would prepare me for a profound physical journey. After a sudden unspecified interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis in 2023, I received a double-lung transplant on June 14, 2024, a moment that transformed both my life and my art.
An elevated perspective, combined with a surge of creative energy, gave rise to the "Breathe" series—a body of large-scale paintings rooted in abstract expressionism. This collection is my artistic response to the emotions and experiences I went through, from the moment I received "The Call" that lungs were available to the "First Breath" I took with my donor’s lungs.
Join me for an Artist Q&A and public viewing of the "Breathe" series on Wednesday, February 26, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at The Yellow House. Experience the art, embrace the present, and breathe it all in. FREE with RSVP via Eventbrite.
Meet this week's guest editor, Rebecca Thomas! A former restaurateur, Rebecca empowers people to make real, nourishing food at home without recipes, gadgets, or complicated prep. As the founder of Not Another Diet, she works to end generational diet culture by promoting simple, sustainable approaches to healthy living. With over 30 years of home cooking and 15 years in the restaurant industry, Rebecca created COOK!, a course that teaches intuitive, real-food cooking.
Her philosophy is all about enjoying the process of sourcing, preparing, and sharing food as a cornerstone of a healthy, joyful life. Outside of teaching, Rebecca loves biking, fresh produce, good coffee, and ... our favorite ... an early bedtime!
Take it away, Rebecca ...
GET LOST Touring Presentation with Pat McAleer
Part of a healthy, connected life is getting outside and challenging yourself -- a little or a lot, it all counts. I love hearing stories and practical advice from people who did just that. Come listen to Pat McAleer, a self-proclaimed "average rider" as he shares the highs and lows of his 10-day tour from Asheville to D.C. along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive! This is a great presentation for anyone interested in doing a fun and challenging ride just a few hours from RVA.
Vitals:
GET LOST Touring Presentation: "10 Pictures, A Few Stories and an F-bomb"/ Thursday, December 12, 6:00 pm / FREE / Journeyman's Adventure Co., 115 N 18th Street
Honey Tasting with Dr. Hollee Freeman
Dr. Hollee Freeman is a tireless advocate and educator about all things bees. These little creatures are so important to the health of our environment and the food it produces. The more I learn, the more I want to know! Join her this Saturday for a reading from her book about bees and a honey tasting.
This is my favorite market due to its smaller size and later start time. I love biking here from my home in Church Hill. I fill my bags with seasonal veggies, sourdough rye from Europa Crust, and killer feta from Caromont Farm. I suggest strolling with a coffee, munching on some berries from Agriberry, and go hike through Forest Hill, one of the loveliest city parks, when you're done shopping. A perfect day.
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with something truly special. The True Places RVA fine art print series depicts Richmond’s hidden outdoor spaces—destinations not found on maps or along well-worn paths. Shop limited-edition works by Ed Trask, Austin Miles, Steve Hedberg, Laura Goodman, and Melissa Burgess. Each locally made 14”x18” print is the perfect ready-to-frame size and available for immediate purchase, making it an ideal gift for local art lovers and those who seek to explore Richmond beyond the boundaries of a traditional map. On sale now at www.trueplacesrva.com.
Meet this week's guest editor, Mike Harrison, an interior decorator and artist who recently made Richmond his home. Originally from New York, Mike’s background includes living alongside actors, musicians, and fellow struggling artists, an experience that profoundly shaped his approach to design. His work emphasizes relatable, budget-conscious spaces that inspire creativity and foster a sense of safety and comfort.
For Mike, a great week includes uncovering a thrift-store treasure, indulging in chicken wings, engaging in meaningful conversations that offer fresh perspectives, and embracing spontaneity with a resounding "yes" to new opportunities.
Take it away, Mike ...
Deals & Treasures at Diversity Thrift
If you’re looking for a must-visit spot, Diversity Thrift should be at the top of your list. This hidden gem is part of Diversity Richmond, an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive community that is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies. Their mission is to serve as a catalyst, a voice, and a resource that enriches and champions diversity.
I can confidently say I’ve never walked out of Diversity Thrift without scoring an incredible find for my home. Knowing that every purchase supports such an important mission makes shopping there even more meaningful.
Vitals:
Diversity Thrift / Gallery and thrift open daily from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (donation drop-off until 3:00 pm) / Diversity Thrift: 1407 Sherwood Avenue
Touchdowns & Turkey: Thanksgiving at HomeTeam Grill
Next up is HomeTeam Grill, the perfect spot to unwind and catch a game. I’ve had some amazing conversations with strangers here, and the welcoming vibe makes it easy to feel at home—shopping bags and all! Whether you’re looking for a laid-back environment to relax after a shopping spree or a place to watch football on Thanksgiving Day, Home Team Grill hits the mark. Vitals:
Thanksgiving at HomeTeam Grill / Thursday, November 28th, 4:00 - 11:00 PM / HomeTeam Grill, 1630 W. Main Street
Budget-Friendly Class and Trash
To wrap up the week, I’d recommend a visit to Class and Trash—with locations in Scott's Addition and Ashland. As someone often hired to bring magic into homes (yes, I’ve even decorated a Christmas tree for Mariah Carey using only thrifty finds!), I can easily pinpoint the best spots for adding sparkle on a budget. Class and Trash offers a funky fusion of vintage and modern, allowing you to maximize every dollar while creating something truly magical.
Ken and Lisa Waldrop originally opened Class and Trash in 2004 on Route 1 between Richmond and Ashland. The duo, who previously operated several booths in local antique malls, found their niche when they opened their own store in Ashland and later expanded to an outpost in Scott's Addition. Both locations feature a funky, affordable, and ever-changing lineup of furniture and unique objects worth exploring.
With Small Business Saturday (honored every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving) just around the corner, there’s no better time to take advantage of the prime shopping opportunities right in our local community.
Vitals:
Class and Trash / 1720 Altamont Ave. / 11088 Washington Hwy. (Route 1)
More From Mike ...
I’m constantly on the move, traveling across the country—and throughout Richmond—bringing creative visions to life. While I’m no longer on social media, you can reach me at mikeharrisonart@gmail.com to connect or see examples of my work.
My mission is to help people transform their spaces as they step into the next chapter of their lives. Whether it’s through a painting, a mural, a complete bedroom redesign, or simply guidance on colors and thrift finds, I’m here to help bring your ideas to life. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday weekend!
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