Meet our guest editor duo this week, Vana Chupp and Theodora Miller of the STUΔIO! Vana Chupp began her love for silhouette art in 2008, growing from a small Etsy shop to a global business creating heirloom pieces. She transforms favorite photos into exquisite jewelry and personal accessories, consulting directly with clients to ensure each piece evokes lasting memories. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Glamour, and The New York Times. Born in Albania, Vana came to the U.S. over 25 years ago. She holds a Master’s in Architecture, enjoys hand illustrating, and is fluent in Greek and Albanian. Married to her college sweetheart Aaron, they have two boys and love traveling to Greece and Albania.
Theodora Miller turned to artful living as part of her healing after a traumatic brain injury. Now a thriving artist, ceramicist, and surface designer, her work draws inspiration from emotions, nature, Greek heritage, and ancient symbols. Her creations are featured in corporate collections and homes worldwide. Theodora is the daughter of a Greek immigrant and a member of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She lives in the Fan with her husband George, a cycling enthusiast, and their two bulldogs. They have three grown children and she is co-hosting the Art of Living Well Retreat in Greece this October.
Vana and Theodora, bonded by their Greek heritage and creative entrepreneurial journeys, have created a shared space in the historic Fan District. The STUΔIO, located at 2510 W. Main Street, is a hub for their artistic brands. Here, they offer client consultations, studio visits, workshops, pop-ups, and special events. Open by appointment, the STUΔIO embodies their commitment to creativity and connection. Learn more at studio-2510.com.
Take it away, Vana and Theodora ...
PopUp RVA at The Diamond
Don’t miss RVA’s Largest Weekly Vendor Market! This vibrant market features local artisans, crafters, and businesses (50-60 businesses), along with food trucks, live music and a bar. Support the backbone of our local economy and shop small!
Vitals:
PopUpRVA at The Diamond / Saturdays through October, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm / Free and open to the public / The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Red Lot
VMFA Exhibit - Samurai Armor
Immerse yourself in samurai history at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)! Explore Japan’s exquisite armor collection, featuring over 140 ceremonial pieces from the Edo period. This exhibit showcases the artistry and evolution of samurai armor, offering a glimpse into the world of this elite warrior class. The exhibition is part of the Ann and Gabriel-Mueller Museum Collection.
Celebrate the 248th Anniversary of America’s Independence by welcoming candidates for citizenship taking their Oath of Allegiance in the beautiful Commonwealth Hall of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Join in the free festivities following the Naturalization Ceremony.
The naturalization ceremony is held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Schedule of Events:
11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Naturalization Ceremony officiated by Judge Roger Gregory (held inside the Robins Family Forum with limited seating)
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Celebrate America's newest citizens with Ukrop's cake and lemonade in Commonwealth Hall and live music
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: American Treasures on display in the VMHC Library and in-gallery scavenger hunt
STUΔIO Play Dates: even adults need a play date! Spend an evening at the STUΔΙΟ flexing your creative muscle. Draw, illustrate, or collage your favorite summer memories. We provide the space, art supplies and friendly fellowship. Bring any personal photos or magazines (that you would like to incorporate) and an open heart. No set art project; consider this art without rules allowing you to be carefree and creative just for fun with other like-minded souls. Beverages will be served.
July 23, 6-8 pm
August 22, 6-8 pm
Sign up for the STUΔΙΟ email list to find out when play date registration opens.
The STUΔIO is the artistic home of Vana Chupp Studio and Theodora Miller brands. Beyond creating and working in this light-filled space in the heart of the historic Fan District, they share their talents with others through client consultations, appointments, studio visits, workshops, pop-ups and special events.
Meet this week's guest editor, Victoria Bateman, the talented social media manager behind Secret Supper Society and other local businesses. With a passion for helping brands stand out in the digital world, Victoria creates social media strategies that connect to business goals while captivating audiences. Her approach is rooted in the belief that you attract what you feel. She is known for prioritizing brand storytelling that evokes emotion, authentic messaging, and compelling visuals. And as a result, her work helps local businesses, particularly in the food and beverage industry, create a standout social media presence and meaningful connections with their audience.
Victoria is also a devoted wife and mother to two amazing children, a 13-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. She has a passion for all things wellness, and is a self-proclaimed foodie and thoroughly enjoys experiencing the new restaurants our city has to offer.
Take it away, Victoria ...
RVA Black Bar Crawl
Richmond's favorite Juneteenth celebration returns on Saturday, June 22nd, with the RVA Black Bar Crawl. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of slavery, and this bar crawl celebrates it by supporting local minority-owned businesses. Starting at Main Street Steakhouse, participants pick up $15 wristbands, granting exclusive access and discounts at over eight popular bars and restaurants, plus a 10% discount on tattoos at Misfit Tattoo Society. Last year’s crawl introduced us to new favorite spots, and we're excited to discover more this year. Participating venues include:
Main Street Steakhouse (1112 E Main St) - Pick up bands (first 1000 get a free commemorative T-shirt)
Misfit Tattoo Society (105 N 17th St) - 10% discount
I'm excited to attend an exclusive Rosé Tasting at The Bordeaux at Marylou's on Wednesday, June 26th at 5:30 pm. Curated by sommelier Chauncey Jenkins, this event offers an evening of fine wines, gourmet pairings, and great ambiance for just $25. Participants will enjoy four rosé tastings (both still and sparkling) paired with delicious small bites, while DJ J. Frvncis provides the music. It's a perfect opportunity to explore new wines, enjoy great food, and connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting. If you're looking for a unique Wednesday night, join me at Marylou's for this Rhythm and Rosé Tasting.
Vitals:
Rhythm and Rosé Tasting at The Bordeaux at Marylou's / Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 pm / $25, pay at the door / 1323 W. Main Street
Secret Supper Society
I'm especially excited to announce our upcoming Secret Supper event, "Granny's House," on Sunday, June 30th at 4:00 pm. The Secret Supper Society offers a unique dining experience, and this supper promises to be one of our best. The menu features an elevated take on neo-soul food, crafted to evoke the warm, comforting feelings of dinner at grandma's house. Chef Xavier Beverly will present classic soul food dishes with a modern, refined twist, showcasing the evolution of this beloved cuisine. "Granny's House" will be a heartfelt tribute to family gatherings, offering an innovative and elevated dining experience.
Vitals:
Granny’s House Secret Supper / Sunday, June 30, 4:00 pm / purchase tickets here / Secret location in Richmond, shared only with attendees
More from Victoria and Secret Supper Society...
Secret Supper Society offers a dining experience unlike any other where you're given the opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate culinary artistry. Each event unfolds in a new, exciting venue adorned with an awe-inspiring theme and picturesque decor. A different master chef and our house sommelier meticulously curate every course and wine pairing, taking you on an elevated sensory journey that transcends mere dining – it's an unforgettable exploration of taste, culture, and creativity. Every Secret Supper includes up to eight courses with expertly selected wine pairings, ensuring an unparalleled value for food and wine enthusiasts or anyone that enjoys luxury experiences. Suppers are designed to foster meaningful connections among guests while showcasing the artistry and passion of the featured culinary team.
If this sounds like an experience you'd enjoy, reserve your seat at thesecretss.com.
Our Here guest editors this week are Anna Leon and Cristian Bravo. Combined, the two have more than 30 years of experience teaching and performing tango worldwide. Just over a year ago, they created Virginia Tango to bring the art (and fun) of authentic Argentine tango to the Commonwealth.
Cristian got his start at ten-years-old. Over his long tango journey, he has placed and won championships, danced in countless shows, taught tango salon, stage, and master classes all over the world and in prominent schools in Buenos Aires.
Anna grew up listening to tango music and then lived in Buenos Aires in her 20s. She has studied under many teachers, and has taught and performed in cities across North America from Los Angeles to Montreal.
Students and milonga event guests are just as drawn to the pair as they are excited to learn the intricacies of the dance. Many students also say they come regularly to classes and events as a creative outlet and to meet and connect with others.
Take it away, Anna and Cristian ...
Jazz Night & Brunch at the Savory Grain
One of our favorite local experiences is weekly Jazz at the Savory Grain! Up next is Roger Carroll's Jazz Brunch Duo for Jazzy Brunch this Sunday from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Then, the Rhythmasters and The Still Point play on alternating Thursdays at 7:30 pm.
We treat every day like a date. This week, you can find us savoring the flavors of the city at Scoop for ice cream. We actually visited the small-batch ice cream shop the night we were married for a celebration treat. And we make sure to go back frequently! We typically go for the dark chocolate sorbet as well as the lavender honey.
We love to collect antique espresso cups -- you can even see and sip from our collection during classes and events! We regularly spend our free time treasure hunting at Class & Trash in Scott's Addition, nonprofit thrift stores Diversity Thrift and Habitat Restore, Governor’s Antiques in Mechanicsville, and more.
Jump into learning tango in 2024 with Virginia Tango's intensive two-week program. No experience or partner needed — you’ll master the basics of this Argentine social dance. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, taught by Anna and Cristian. After two weeks, join Virginia Tango's "Que Onda Milonga!" social dance, featuring a guest DJ and homemade Argentine food. Sessions run June 24 to July 6 and July 22 to August 3 at Tangueros, 10049 Midlothian Turnpike. Learn more + Sign up Here!
A Designed Life
Anna is also an interior designer who blends function, style, and a sense of home. She studied interior design, architecture, wood-working, and printmaking at the University of Missouri - Columbia, and in Florence, Italy. Her worldly yet personal aesthetic aligns with clients' tastes, budgets, and personal treasures. She creates spaces for side conversations, dinner parties, warmth, laughter, creativity, and tranquility, working on projects from single rooms to entire homes, including landscaping plans. Learn more about her design company Haus of León.
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