Meet this week's guest editor, Beth Anne Booth, who serves as the Dir. of Exhibitions for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Connecting people to the power of plants through the mediums of art and impactful community events is what drives her. Along her path to the Garden, Beth Anne worked with some of Richmond’s vibrant arts and culture organizations, including the Valentine Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Richmond Symphony. While immersed in the work of the various missions of these cultural nonprofits, Beth Anne was introduced to the Richmond community, and she was hooked from that point on.
Beth Anne is also an artist, a writer, and an advocate for wellness for all. You can find her writing, meditations, and more at Healing Whole RVA. She believes that the Richmond community is unlike any other...bringing people closer to opportunities and experiences that create inspiration and joy.
Take it away, Beth Anne...
Friday
Cheers
Friday Cheers is a concert series that attracts a diverse line up of national acts while also weaving in local talent. Nestled between the James River and the Downtown Richmond skyline, Brown's Island is a destination all year long. As soon as festival season kicks off in May, the Island becomes a hotspot for live music. If it is a Friday and you’re looking to unwind after a long week, head down to the Island and let loose. This Friday, Richmond native Kenneka Cook kicks things off with Sampa the Great closing the evening.
On Sunday, June 4 from 10 am - 3 pm, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host a celebration of LGBTQ+ youth! This event is a highlight of the Pride offerings with a Makers Market organized by TransJam Events, performances by local drag queens, a lip synch competition and a dance party. Organizations including He, She, Ze, and We and Side By Side will be onsite sharing information and resources with community.
Richmond has become popular for both its food and festivals of various sorts. The two worlds collide with one of the oldest cultural festivals in the city. Whether it’s dolmades or souvlaki, some of the best Greek food around will be in Richmond’s West End this weekend. Art, music, and performance will give you an authentic Greek experience you don’t have to travel far for.
More About Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden & Pride Month
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be celebrating Pride all month long! In partnership with Virginia Pride, the Garden will be hosting several events that reflect the Garden’s commitment to being inclusive and welcoming for all! Admission to the Garden is required for special events, and gives you access to all that Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has to offer!
Meet this week's guest editor, Ashley Williams, MS, C-IAYT, founder of BareSOUL Yoga & Wellness & curator of The Well Collective! Driven by creating space for community to come together and care for themselves physically, mentally and socially, Ashley is here to deliver her recommendations for finding connection this week in Richmond. As a builder and weaver, Ashley bridges mindfulness, diversity, wellness and inclusion on micro and macro-levels to achieve equitable, socially stable and conscious spaces for individual and collective care.
Take it away, Ashley...
Deconstructing
Karen
Join me tomorrow night at 6:00 pm for the Screening of Deconstructing Karen + Conversation with Saira Rao and Regina Jackson at the historic Byrd Theatre. Over the past month, a collective of Richmond-based women have contributed and planned this event, inviting community into a space of truth-telling, dialogue and radical honesty centering around racism in Richmond, and beyond. It's time to get to the root of our nation's issues and be radical in our collective action; join us.
Over the years, I have become fond of the Richmond Symphony and the Black History Museum through special invitations from friends, curated events, and awe-inspiring exhibits. I am looking forward to the intersection of arts and culture in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood at the Big Tent Fest. Take a moment to check out the newest exhibit Art of Freedom II created by Virginia-based artists that share their concept of Freedom before taking in the soulful, healing sounds of musical talent. Richmond does outdoor concerts well, and this is a perfect opportunity for all ages to explore.
BareSOUL Community Yoga at Hatch Local on Sunday, May 28th at 10:00 am. BareSOUL Yoga is excited for this season of community-based programs and classes at some of our favorite local businesses and partners. Grab your mat and kick off your Sunday with BareSOUL Ambassador Adrienne Samuels at the Hatch Local courtyard for movement, breath, and meditation. BareSOUL hosts classes throughout the Spring/Summer season, supporting the development of school programming, youth camps, and staff well-being.
Ashley is a Mind-Body Therapist and Social Change Agent with experience in the fields of education, behavioral and mental health and community programming in Richmond. She is the founder of BareSOUL Yoga & Wellness, a community-based organization initially created to offer accessible mind-body offerings, and the curator of The Well Collective, a multicultural community space that centers intergenerational well-being, healing modalities, and education located in historic Shockoe Bottom.
Meet this week's guest editor, Shannon Siriano Greenwood, founder of Rebelle! Shannon is here to deliver her recommendations for this week in the River City. Founder, leader, and community builder, Shannon is most passionate about sharing the stories of exceptional people. Eternally curious, Shannon has interviewed thousands of women from celebrities to founders, authors, physicians, creatives, and every day women to understand their perspectives and share their experiences with audiences big and small. She lives in Richmond with her husband, two boys, and a village of friends and family who make life worth living.
Take it away, Shannon ...
Creative Mornings:
Acceptance
One of my favorite monthly events is hosted by Creative Mornings Richmond. A group of volunteers led by my dear friend Michelle Mercurio produces a free speaker breakfast and this month’s theme is Acceptance. The speaker this month is Roscoe Burnems who is the first poet laureate of Richmond, among many other identities.
Bonus: at this month’s event I am giving away copies of the Spring/Summer issue of Rebelle Magazine.
Vitals:
Creative Mornings / Visual Arts Center: 1812 W Main St. / Friday, May 19th at 8:30 am
Buna Kurs
Ethiopian Cafe
A hidden gem of a coffee shop, Buna Kurs, is one of my favorite places to bump into creatives and innovators. If you have never tried Ethiopian breakfast food you are in for a treat. I suggest the Breakfast Combo which includes egg silsi, kinche, firfir served with injera or bread. If you have questions, just ask! The owner, Lilly as well as many of the regular patrons are happy to tell you about their favorites on the menu.
It’s with a heavy heart that I am sharing the store closing of one of my favorite downtown shops, Someday, located on Broad Street. For the last five years, this vintage housewares boutique has been a staple for thoughtful gifts, unique finds and house plants. While I’m sad to see them go, I know how challenging it is to run a small business, and am so proud of Audie and her team for creating such a supportive small business community in her shop. I’ll be stopping by to celebrate their success. Everything is 30% off until Sunday.
Rebelle brings together women who are craving deep connections in formats including an annual conference, panel conversations, influencer interviews, hands-on workshops, and meetups with mentors.
We offer:
A boutique conference experience (Rebelle Con)
A year-long program for professional women to connect (SWELL by Rebelle)
A quarterly magazine addressing lifestyle and career (Rebelle Magazine)
I want every woman to have a Wolf Pack, as defined by Abby Wambach, “a crew of brave and honest women to support you.”
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