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.
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.
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
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
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
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!
Meet Vincent Ellis White, this week's guest editor. Vincent has impacted the Richmond community as a human services worker, child welfare advocate, and as a mentor. He is the initiator and moderator of the impactful panel series, Difficult Conversations/Stronger Communities, addressing crucial community and cultural issues. Vincent is also the author of the best-seller “Finding Chris, My Father,” and a traveling stage play. His heartfelt life story and journey has been featured on ABC in New York, CBS, NBC, and featured in numerous lectures at universities across the country. He has been recognized as one of Style-Weekly's Top 40 under 40 recipients, Richmond’s Hometown Heroes, and a recipient of countless honors for his work in foster care and fatherhood initiatives. His greatest achievement remains raising his son, Jordan Ellis White, who's embarking on a pre-med journey at Kent State University.
Take it away, Vincent!
The Well Collective
One of my all-time favorite places to go for therapeutic services and to get centered, is The Well Collective. Located in the heart of Shockoe Bottom, Well Collective is a space for conscious community offering multicultural, intergenerational wellness, equitable healing modalities, educational workshops and an apothecary for individual and collective well-being. Recently, owner Ashley Williams purchased the six-story, 158 year old Branch Building on Main St. to make it the headquarters and hub for education and retreat.
As a community partner with The Well Collective since 2023, I'm thrilled about the upcoming event, "Difficult Conversations: Co-Parenting and Custody: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly." This topic is a community request and part of the 'Difficult Conversations, Stronger Communities' series. These panel events encourage candid discussions on current issues affecting our community. Each event features experts, fostering healthy, respectful dialogue in an open forum. Unexpected moments of laughter, tears, and revelations create an atmosphere of healing. Join us at The Well on May 14th for an enriching experience.
Common House Richmond bravely opened in the fall of 2020, right in the heart of RVA's Arts District. I became a member in December 2020 and have been adoring the space since then. It's a social club equipped with all the amenities you could think of -- a podcast room, screening room, open co-working floor, wine cellar, in-house restaurant, open courtyard, rooftop pool, and more. It truly feels like my home away from home. The food is top-notch and there are always live bands playing. And you never know who you might bump into! I've made new friends, sealed business deals, learned about wine pairing, and experienced so much more at the Common House. I've also been a programming partner with Common House since 2022, and thoroughly enjoy collaborating with their staffing team. Their next event is a Mother's Day Brunch, taking place on Sunday, May 12th at 10:00 am, which will serve as a toast to all the Moms across the city.
Oh, now one thing I love to do is EAT. I actually have a running list in the notes section of my iPhone of restaurants that I'd like to visit. But I always go back to The Lilly Pad, Richmond's only waterfront bar and restaurant! It's a bit of a drive from the city center, but well worth it. As you arrive, you instantly feel like you've found an escape from the hustle and bustle, a little slice of paradise. On a sunny day, you can sit by the water, rent boats, listen to a live band, mingle with friendly strangers, and savor some of the best food you've ever tasted. Don't miss their weekend brunch on May 11th & 12th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Vitals:
Brunch at The Lilly Pad / Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm / 9680 Osborne Turnpike
More About Difficult Conversations.
In early 2022, Vincent formed a partnership with Common House which allowed him to create a quarterly series focused on facilitating difficult conversations. Understanding the significance of these types of discussions, he established a safe space where people could be vulnerable, transparent, and openly engage in challenging dialogues without fear of judgment. The inaugural event, held on March 9, 2022, was an immediate success. It organically gained momentum with each subsequent event, drawing attention to the significant impact it was having on attendees. Now in its third year, Vincent has secured new partnerships with The SPOT Event Center in Petersburg and The Well Collective. He is set to return to Common House on July 25th and plans to expand the series to various other locations in 2024.
Meet this week's guest editor, Mavis Wynn! Mavis is a staple at Venture Richmond, bringing passion, dedication, and a wealth of expertise to her work each day. Starting as a volunteer 30 years ago, she celebrated her 25th anniversary as Events Operations Manager in 2023. Her knack for working seamlessly with vendors, volunteers, security, and government agencies showcases her top-notch organizational skills and leadership prowess.
But Mavis isn't all work and no play! She's deeply involved in her community, church, and family life. She strikes the perfect work-life balance through her love for college and professional sports, live music, travel, and quality time spent with loved ones.
Take it away, Mavis!
Friday Cheers
Friday Cheers is our weekly summer concert series that brings some of the biggest up-and-coming artists to Brown’s Island along Downtown Richmond's riverfront every Friday in May and June! Presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Friday Cheers returns for its 39th season as Richmond’s longest running concert series showcasing some of the nation’s hottest touring bands and all-time regional favorites.
The longest-standing summer concert series held along the James River, Friday Cheers draws popular groups such as the Zac Brown Band, Tyler Childers, Snarky Puppy, The Head & the Heart and hundreds of others. The series showcases emerging headliners - some of the best bands that you may not have heard of yet, and attracts a wide-ranging audience from the very young to the young at heart. Twenty-something’s looking to mingle, young families and older adults all find common ground at Friday Cheers. See you on the island!
Vitals:
Friday Cheers / Every Friday in May & June / Brown's Island: Tredegar St. between 5th and 7th Streets, click here for directions & parking.
¿Qué Pasa? Festival
Produced by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the ¿Qué Pasa? Festival celebrates the diversity and beauty of the Hispanic & Latin American cultures in the city of Richmond. This event is free to the public and showcases local Hispanic and Latino businesses, artisans, restaurants, entertainers, and more. This festival brings the community together! Stroll through the artisan market, featuring unique vendors, live artist exhibitions, homemade crafts, gifts, and more.
Vitals:
¿Qué Pasa? Festival / Saturday, May 4, 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm / Brown's Island: Tredegar St. between 5th and 7th Streets, click here for directions & parking.
Arts in the Park
Arts in the Park is a nationally-rated, juried art show which offers the opportunity for you to see and purchase fine original work produced by top-quality artists and crafts people from Virginia and throughout the United States. The festival is held in Byrd Park and features over 350 artists and artisans and their fine art, paintings, metal crafts, pottery, and jewelry.
Vitals:
Arts in the Park/ Saturday, May 4, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm & Sunday, May 5, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm / Byrd Park around the Carillon, click here for shuttles, parking, and directions.
More About Venture Richmond.
Venture Richmond has initiated a capital campaign, supported by the City, to raise funds for implementing the Riverfront Plan recommendations for Brown’s Island. These include river and canal terraces, children's play areas, additional trees and landscaping, increased ADA accessibility, and other pedestrian improvements like shade, seating, and permanent restrooms. Additionally, we've recently introduced a new drone-based mapping program on our website that emphasizes downtown economic development and enables virtual tours!
In September, we're set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Richmond Folk Festival, with past audience favorites returning and more surprises to be announced soon. Following the Richmond Folk Festival, we will honor the history of Historic Jackson Ward during the 2nd Street Festival. Thousands visit Jackson Ward annually to experience its vibrance and remember its past as "the Harlem of the South,” the heart of Richmond's African-American community. The 2nd Street Festival, a two-day celebration, showcases three stages of live music featuring acts like Arrested Development and local superstar, Desiree Roots! In addition, there's a Kidz Zone, food vendors, a marketplace, Artists Row, and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. Click the button below to learn more!
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