Meet Chrystal Neal, this week’s guest editor for Here. Chrystal is an avid community and arts supporter. A few years back, Chrystal broke away from an international finance law practice to create a career that ignited her passion and pushed her limits. She stepped into the kaleidoscope of RVA’s creative scene – connecting people and ideas – to nationally brand the region as a creative, innovative powerhouse, first as executive director of C3, the Creative Change Center, then as innovation and creativity director for ChamberRVA, later becoming the Chamber’s Executive Vice President leading the region’s workforce strategy. Today Chrystal serves as Vice President, Internal Communications & Employer Branding at CoStar Group in its downtown Richmond office.
In her spare time, Chrystal and her husband, Daniel Salomonsky, enjoy trying every new restaurant in town, while loyally supporting their many longtime favorites. They are also big fans of local arts and creativity, having recently opened a co-working space for artists in Shockoe Bottom, 17th Street Studios.
Take it away, Chrystal...
A Painter's Paradise Co-working Space
17th Street Studios opened to fill a niche in RVA’s creative ecosystem - a beautiful space to paint and create community with other artists. If you are tired of getting paint on your bedroom sheets or kitchen floor, maybe it’s time to rent access to a collaborative space with plenty of room to create. Designed by New York-based artist, Sarah Salo, a Richmond native, 17th Street Studios opened on April 15. Read more: A Painter's Paradise by RVA Magazine.
As a Richmond native, it makes me proud that our very own museum, The Valentine, originally devoted to telling the history of Richmond, was courageous enough to open the inspiring exhibit, “Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the ‘Lost Cause’ American Myth,” using evidence to show how leaders in Richmond, and others around the country, reframed the reality of the Civil War. Check out this exhibit and multiple intellectually stimulating events at The Valentine.
I recently volunteered with Historic Garden Week as a host in a beautiful garden in Westover Hills. We are halfway through the gorgeous week showcasing the most beautiful gardens across Virginia, but it is not too late for you and your friends and family to enjoy! Buy tickets here.
I love being a native Richmonder. I have had the good fortune to live in several other large cities in the U.S., and those experiences taught me, among other things, how absolutely unique Richmond is. Our thriving artistic community is second to none. Our food scene is amazing, and Daniel and I have so much fun supporting local restaurants.
You would not necessarily know from our beautiful historic architecture how avant garde our thinking can be here. Our complicated history weaves a good, bad and ugly story with so much opportunity to learn and become better. For me, engaging in community building and conversation is a step in that direction.
I love to read, travel, garden and swim. And did I mention, dine in local restaurants?
Meet Ryan Corrigan, our guest editor this week and a veteran nonprofit fundraiser with 28 years under his belt. He's worked for top notch organizations like the Children’s Miracle Network-Richmond and the James River Association. Nowadays, he's steering the ship at The READ Center, using literacy as his secret weapon for equality. As a doting husband and father, he's always on the lookout for Richmond's hidden artistic gems. He's also teamed up with Andy Thompson, owner of Sharp's Island, and Paul Spicer, of Richmond Grid, to unveil a showcase of Richmond's brilliant artists called "True Places."
Take it away, Ryan...
Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox
A family go-to in Bon Air (can I call it downtown Bon Air?) and now weekend staple is Perk! Coffee and Lunchbox. The owners, fellow former VCU Rams have created a community space inside and out that is chock full of more than just coffee beans. The spot features some amazing baked goods, bagels, sandwiches, and also sells locally made products. Not sure what they put in their banana nut brownies, but my 6-year-old daughter is officially addicted.
Vitals:
Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox / Mon - Fri: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 2620 N. Buford Road
The Great Richmond Trivia Bee
Who doesn’t love trivia; especially trivia for a cause? The Great Richmond Trivia Bee has over 50 teams of four showing off their ability to pull obscure knowledge about even more obscure categories all to benefit The READ Center. A great event for a great cause supporting everyone’s right to literacy. Make sure to your ticket today before it's too late to join the fun on April 25th from 5:30 - 8:30pm at the Dewey Gottwald Center.
Black Iris Gallery is a hidden gem nestled between businesses on busy Broad Street. I’ve been to several First Fridays here, curated a True Places art show here and host my holiday Jingle and Mingle for The READ Center here annually. It’s an amazing space that’s as inviting as Dave Jackson, the owner and mastermind behind this urban oasis that features weekly live entertainment from jazz to local rock. The bar is top notch, and for members, there are three floors to relax and rejuvenate. On display now on the first floor gallery is the talented local artist, Mickael Broth, also known as The Night Owl.
As Executive Director of The READ Center, I am humbled daily by our adult students’ drive and desire to overcome any obstacle to achieve their goal: learning to read. I’m blown away by their tenacity to better their situation, for themselves, for their families, for our community. Knowing that several of our adult learners have gone through life challenged by low literacy and yet still hold, in many cases, several jobs is mind blowing. And with more than 90,000 adults in the greater Richmond area needing our services, we are blessed to work with the best tutors, teachers, staff and volunteers to support this goal.
Meet Austin Auz Miles, this week's guest editor and a multidisciplinary painter and public artist from Richmond. With a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, her work explores beauty norms, spirituality, and women's experiences in the African Diaspora. Her 2019 TedTalk, "1000 Words," delved into the societal impact of imagery. Auz collaborated with Jamestown Settlement, creating art that's now part of their permanent collection. Her installation, Water Dancers Part I, won the 2021 Director's Choice Award at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. A member of the All City Art Club, Auz contributes to nationwide murals, fostering visual dialogues for community growth.
As a dedicated dog mom to an energetic pup, Oatmeal, she balances her passion for painting with hiking in nature. She has newly adopted roller skating during the pandemic, zealously honing her skills in sunny afternoons with an aspiration to master it. A tea aficionado, she relishes new tea varieties and eagerly anticipates hosting tea parties.
Take it away, Auz...
House @ Haus
For all the House Music lovers, House @ Haus is happening this Friday with DJ Omar Faison! Haus & Market is a creative and innovative space that curates space for collaboration, community building, and support for arts and culture in Petersburg. Come and see the current photography exhibition by Rashid Hines, a local Petersburg photographer, and catch a vibe with DJ Omar. The weather is beautiful this weekend and it’s Friday for The Arts in Petersburg.
I love going for long scenic walks during beautiful weather. This weekend enjoy a relaxing stroll on the Canal Walk and view all of the murals. In 2022, myself and other River City based muralists painted in the RVA Street Art Festival, bringing new murals to the Canal Walk. My mural, PURR, features The Brown Ballerinas For Change. PURR is a colorful, energetic mural about freely existing and self expression.
When I am looking for a delicious and healthy bite to eat and cup of tea, and I love tea, I stop by Urban Hang Suite. I love the cozy environment and good vibes! They also are always exhibiting local Richmond artists! Currently exhibiting is the amazing Jowarnise Caston. This weekend, visit Urban Hang Suite to enjoy some good eats and beautiful artwork.
Vitals:
Urban Hang Suite / 7:30 am - 2:00 pm Monday - Friday. 304 E. Broad Street
More From Auz.
This school year, I am a Girl Action Team Leader at Girls For A Change. I am teaching a sewing class at Girls For A Change (GFAC), titled Sewing for Unconventional Artists. Teaching sewing to young girls is extremely rewarding. I love to see them excited and empowered to make functional items for themselves. Inspired by my Grandma Carrie, who was a seamstress, I began sewing a few years ago. Since learning how to sew, I have met so many women who have also inherited sewing, passed down from mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter. Majority of the tips and tricks I have learned from sewing have been shared with me from other women. Sewing circles really are the best way to learn and get excited about sewing. At GFAC, I am excited about holding a “sewing circle” every week, for the young ladies to learn and grow together.
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