G40 Art Summit + Floodwall Street Art Festival

In case you haven't heard, some incredible art is making its way into Richmond this month and next.

Gaia's mural at 11 W. Grace - image by The Cheats Movement

First, RVA magazine and Art Whino have been hard at work bringing the G40 Art Summit to Richmond. Starting this week through April 5th, 13 mural artists from all over the world will be painting 20 large scale murals in a 10 block radius to help launch Richmond's Downtown Arts District. There will be an opening reception on April 6th and dozens of other events throughout the rest of April including gallery shows, art workshops, painting nights, art battles and more. Gaia has already completed a mural at 11 West Grace and Pixel Pancho is currently in town working on his robots mural also on Grace Street. Check RVA mag's site for more updates on murals as they progress around town.

Secondly, the city of Richmond and Ed Trask are teaming up with Altria, Venture Richmond, Troutman Sanders, the Cordish Company, Art 180, and more to bring us the RVA Floodwall Street Art Festival on April 12 - 15. The festival is inviting artists from around the country to paint wall murals that will hang as removable banners along the flood wall. The artists will spend three days constructing their pieces and you're encouraged to come watch and interact with them. The organizers of the event hope that local organizations will purchase the banners after the event and the space can become a rotating gallery of sorts. In addition to the murals, Chop Suey's Bizarre Market will be set up and Brown Distributing will have beer trucks in the area on Saturday, April 14th.

This Spring is shaping up to be quite the colorful season!

Christie Thompson

The Weekend {list}

Spring has been quite the tease lately... luckily you have all sorts of awesome to get you through the last few weeks til warmer weather is here to stay. Enjoy your list RVA.

FRIDAY



R/D, The Polychrons & Zati
Electronic overload - The Polychrons, local dub fusion, and Zati, a local electronic DJ, followed by the nationally acclaimed electronic producer R/D.
The Camel, 9p

Rumors Boutique Vs. DJ Long Jawns: Hood Jams Part 2
Empire, 11p | free (get there early as this bar hits capacity quick!)

SATURDAY

Orchids Galore!
Hundreds of orchids will dazzle the senses with color, fragrance and beauty throughout the Garden’s Conservatory during Orchids Galore! The display kicks off the Garden's celebration of spring: A Million Blooms.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 9a to 5p | $11

28th Annual Craftsmen's Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival
Richmond Raceway Complex, 10a to 6p | $7

World Fusion
See our recent post for more on this event.
Plant Zero, 7 to 10p | $25



NO Richmond
Balliceaux, 10:30p | free
RSVP on Facebook here.

SUNDAY

28th Annual Craftsmen's Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival
Richmond Raceway Complex, 11a to 5p | $7

Lobo Marino, Darling Waste, Paul Diello, A Murder of One
The Camel, 9p | $5

What did we miss? Tell us in the comments!

Christie Thompson

Fibre Craft Handmade

Photo by Evan MacKenzie

For the past few weeks I have been hard at work putting together a brand new website for my handmade business, Fibre Craft. Fibre Craft is a line of handmade accessories for him and her inspired by and created from vintage and recycled materials. Currently in stock are clutch bags for her and neckties for him, all handmade in Richmond!

It is with quite a bit of pleasure and delight that I introduce you to FibreCraftHandmade.com.  A big, big thanks goes out to my web designer, Jason Smith, and my photographer, Evan MacKenzie. You can use the shipping code 'LOVELY' to get free shipping through Valentine's Day!

In true Minimalist spirit, I must share with you the platform my website was built on is an amazing resource for anyone wanting to create a small online web store. Big Cartel is a site similar to most portfolio websites, giving you a basic template or two for free and allowing you to upgrade the CSS manually if you know how. Unlike Etsy, they don't charge per purchase, but they have a small monthly fee (based on number of products) that includes hosting.  I highly recommend checking it out if you're looking to sell items online and want to break out of the Etsy world.

Hope you like the new site! Also, you can 'like' Fibre Craft on Facebook to get updates on new products and happenings.

Christie Thompson

A NYE inspired DIY Need Supply Hack

New Years Eve is the one time of year you can get away with sequins and glitter from head to toe and look perfectly dressed for the occasion. Needless to say, I love NYE. Recently, I also fell in love with a gorgeous pair of glitter slippers at Need Supply that are begging to be worn this weekend. Need's price tag forced me to leave the store empty handed but not without the determination to create my own pair.



Check out the full post over at Gungho Guide's Blogho for your very own tutorial for glitter slippers.

Christie Thompson

Pictures + Words

roughdrAftbooks

Over the past year I've spent a lot of time documenting my work, my time and my experiences. School requires a certain amount of this as do job and residency applications. At first I took the practical approach by laying out my words and images in simple grids and when binding was necessary I used a plain metal coil. However, after a few compilations I became a little bored. I looked at the books and portfolios of artists and designers that seemed way more like play than work. As a result my books and portfolios have changed dramatically and I'm happy to say look way more like play than work too! I think the best parts are the sketches, watercolors, comments and quotes that show not just facts but humor and whimsy. Most of us aren't professional artists nor are we established writers but we have thoughts and talents and sharing those with friends and family can mean more than a fancy coffee table book or novel.

Steel Petal Press 

One great tool is Lulu. Both a publisher and a book fabricator, it's a fantastic online services where you can use one of their many templates or go rogue and create your own. Cookbooks, novels, portfolios, photo books, wedding albums, calendars and e-books... you name it! I'm currently using their service to make a book which requires me to upload a pdf of my text and images (the website walks you through the simple, limited steps), select the cover and binding and voila, for approximately $25 I'll have my softcover 85 page book.

So, think of the words and images you've shared with friends and family... song lyrics, photos, concert ticket stubs, crazy nights out, family meals, the birth of your nephew, an epic road trip... and you've got a pretty amazing gift!

roughdrAftbooks

Emily Smith

The Weekend {list}

Hey everyone, have a great weekend!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Exhibition Preview for American Letterpress: The Art of Hatch Show Print
Time: 5:30 to 9p
Place: Library of Virginia, exhibition hall and lobby
Curated by Jim Sherraden, the show is full of awesome work by VCU art students using wood Hatch blocks and hand brayering techniques. Come for the talk, the music, the show and the wine tasting, all for free!

Candela Book's Public Reception for Salt + Truth and Grand Opening!
Time: 5 to 9p
Place: Candela Books 214 W Broad Street
I am so excited about this business and what they're doing... Salt + Truth, by photographer Shelby Lee Adams, brings Appalachia, specifically the eastern part of Kentucky, to viewers through portraits of the land and its people. Check out the reception and support this great, independent, addition to Richmond.

Black Girls, Canary Oh Canary, Luke and the Junk
Time: 10p
Place: The Camel
A lot of awesomeness for $6. I'm a little obsessed with Canary Oh Canary.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Richmond Christmas Parade!
Time: 10a
Place: 7th/Broad - Virginia Science Museum
See Rudolph's triumphant return! Friends, the grinch is alive and well but he will not prevail.

Ruldolph made nationwide headlines last year after being punctured by the stoplight...

Academy Jewelry Trunk Show
Time: 12 to 4p
Place: Quirk Gallery
Handmade jewelry in Richmond, VA by Rachel Albright.

NO BS BRASS, Bad Man
Time: 9:30p
Place: The Camel
Free!

MERCY! Soul and Funk Dance Party
Time: 10:30p
Place: Cous Cous
Free!

ACC Championship Game!
Time: 8p
Watch the Clemson Tigers be humbled by the Virginia Tech Hokies! You heard me.



SUNDAY DECEMBER 4

aRtVA Independent Art & Craft Show
Time: 12 to 5p
Place: The Bankuet Place in Manchester
Local craft show just in time for the holidays, featuring Minimalist writer Christie Thompson!

Emperor X, Young Adult Fiction, Sports Bar
Time: 9p
Place: The Camel
$5

Emily Smith

Handmade VA: Boone Infusion

The impressive shopping guide Christie posted yesterday makes for an absolute perfect segue to introduce one of my favorite Virginia artisans, Boone Infusion. Leighann Boone is a glass artist who specializes in making one-of-a-kind fused dichroic glass jewelry in fascinating colors and graphic patterns. If you're searching for a truly unique gift for someone on your list this year, I highly recommend you check out her brand spankin' new Etsy site. The artist has also informed me that she has over 1,000 pieces in her collection, so if you like what you see on Etsy but cant find exactly what you're looking for, send her a message! She will hook you up!







Emily Jones

Your Handmade Holiday Shopping {list}

Shew, can't believe Thanksgiving is already over and December is right around the corner. You wouldn't know it from this brilliantly warm weather, but the holiday shopping season is upon us! I think we can all agree buying local, handmade goods is one of the best ways to find truly unique gifts while avoiding the "big box" mania.

Whether or not you are as excited as a Christmas elf or hibernating until the New Year, Richmond has got you covered for all your handmade gift needs. We've compiled a list of local craft shows and markets to get you through the season:



1. Bizarre Market Holiday
The annual Bizarre Market Holiday shop is open for business upstairs at Chop Suey Books in Carytown! This wonderfully cozy pop-up shop has everything from jewelry to laptop sleeves, screen prints, pottery, accessories, fuzzy friends, and much more (including Fibre Craft by yours truly!) - all handmade in Richmond! Don't let the cuteness fool you, this shop has some incredible finds for awesomely affordable prices. The shop is open until December 24, during Chop Suey's bookstore hours. RSVP on Facebook here.




2. Art Karma Auction + Party
On Thursday night from 7 to 10p, at Plant Zero Cafe in Manchester, Art 180 is hosting the Art Karma Auction + Party. This silent auction features local art, services, and dining deals. The party will also feature belly dancers, henna tattoos, exotic hors d'oeuvres, and more. Tickets are $16 beforehand and $20 the day of (kids are free). All of the proceeds go towards Art 180's after-school programs in self-expression for those living in challenging circumstances. Pick up some gifts and support an awesome cause, what more can you ask for?



Over 400 vendors! Image via Bizarre Bazaar site.

3. The Bizarre Bazaar
The annual Christmas Bizarre Bazaar will take place this Thursday through Sunday, from 10a to 7p, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. This market will feature multiple handmade vendors, but it might not save you from much mania. The Bizarre Bazaar features hundreds of vendors, so you are bound to find the right gift if you dare to brave the crowds! Tickets are $7 for adults and $1.50 for kids. You can follow the Bizarre Bazaar on Twitter here.




4. aRtVA's Independent Art & Craft Show
This Sunday from noon to 5p, aRtVA will be hosting the inaugural Independent Art & Craft Show at the Bankuet Place in Manchester. (Side note: the Bankuet place is a former bank turned event space!) This show will feature 16 hand-picked local craft and art vendors, as well as good eats and drinks from Pizza Tonight, Atomic Bakery, and Grayhaven Winery. If all of that wasn't enough, WRIR's Michael Miracle and DJ Mikemetic will be DJing the event as well. Stop by my booth, Fibre Craft, and mention this list for 10% off any purchase!




5. Handmade Holiday
On the following Sunday, December 11, the Richmond Craft Mafia will be hosting more of Richmond's makers at the Handmade Holiday show at Plant Zero Cafe. From 11a to 5p there will be 65 handmade vendors set up and ready to provide you with your every holiday need. RSVP on Facebook here.




5. RVA on Etsy
Lastly, if you just can't bring yourself to shop in the presence of others, you can still shop local handmade by searching Richmond, Virginia from Etsy's homepage. There is a link towards the bottom on the left where you can "Buy Local" - type in your zip code, or Richmond and find over 20,000 items from local Richmond makers. You can also check out the Richmond Street Team on Etsy for another listing of local makers. I have a feeling you may be able to talk some sellers into free shipping by picking your item up! Etsy just created a mobile app as well, so you can shop local, handmade, and on the go! It's so easy!

So there you have it folks. Bookmark this link for all your handmade holiday shopping needs for the next few weeks. Know of any more local shows that we missed? Let me know and I'll add them to our list!

Happy Holidays!

Christie Thompson

The Weekend {list}

This weekend marks the beginning of the holiday season and there are plenty of ways to start celebrating.

Today kicks off the first day of Richmond Beer Week! There are literally dozens of beer specials, tasting, and events to get your fill of this fine fermented craft. Check out the Beer Week event page for a complete list of events around town that will be happening all the way through next weekend!

Once you get your beer tasting schedule in order, head over to Broad Street for November's First Fridays. This will probably be one of the last First Fridays events that doesn't require 12 jackets, 4 scarves and 3 pairs of mittens to stay warm, so enjoy it!

After the Art Walk, The Camel will be hosting some indie pop goodness to help you dance the warmth back in. Black Girls will be playing along with Winston Cup 1981 (Charlottesville) and Tiny Victories (NYC) starting at 9 pm. $5 to get in the door.

On Saturday, Gallery5 will be hosting the Richmond Burlesque Revue featuring local favorites and some rising stars of the burlesque scene. This show will be a sampling of the best talent in town from classic to nouveau acts. Doors open at 8 pm and the show starts at 9 pm, $10 to get in the door.

Later, get your groove on at Balliceaux with DJ Mixie and Sister Goldenhaze. There will be vinyl spinnin' featuring soul, funk, reggae, psychedelic rock and 80s dance jams. Dancin' times are free and start at 10:30 pm.

On Sunday, make your way to Oregon Hill for the first of many local markets this holiday season. The Fancy Flea Market will be held at the Fine Food Market every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, starting this weekend. Start your holiday shopping off right by buying local and handmade! The market will feature oddities, collectibles, crafts, vintage, clothing, antiques, furniture and more. They are also looking to add more vendors if you have something interesting to sell!



Happy November folks!

Christie Thompson

F is for Fab

I could spend hours perusing the discount fabrics at U-Fab on Robinson...

One of the best kept secrets in Richmond is the fabric and upholstery store U-Fab on Robinson Street, in the Fan. This amazing little oasis of designer fabrics is not only incredibly convenient to the city dweller, but also seriously affordable. Being someone who can't stop sewing, I quickly learned that fabric is always your biggest investment during a project. U-Fab carries some of the best and most recent designs at discounted prices (as low as $10/yard). Their stock consists entirely of upholstery weight fabrics, but you can often use upholstery for more than just re-doing a chair or couch. I've created bags and other accessories using the heavy-weight grade fabric that U-Fab offers.

Their store is usually only open until 6 pm on weekdays, but they have decided to keep the shop open late on Thursdays to accommodate your needs this holiday season. To celebrate their decision, they are hosting a party tonight with drinks, light food, and chances to win U-Fab gift cards! Stop by their shop on Robinson, between Parkwood and Cary, from 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm tonight to help them celebrate! Also, check out U-Fab's Facebook page for weekly updates on their newest fabrics! (Thanks Christine for the hot tip on U-Fab's party!)

Christie Thompson

Antiques in Manchester

Antiques in Manchester's first Saturday market, image via AIM's flickr.

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting the first Antiques in Manchester (AIM) Saturday market. Antiques in Manchester is an upscale, open-air antique market co-sponsored by Micheal Sparks Design, Ghostprint Gallery and Maurice Beane Studios. From AIM's Facebook page, "Located in a covered walkway between period brick buildings, the venue has a distinctly European flavor. Exhibitors will be displaying a wide variety of quality goods including Mid-Century Modern, 18th and 19th century antiques, architectural elements, Art Deco, Primitives, etc." Each Saturday they will be open from 9 am to 4 pm under the covered walkway beside 205 Hull Street in Richmond's Manchester district.

I was excited to check out the market but honestly was skeptical about how affordable any of the items would be. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of items and relative affordability of most of them. Furniture pieces ranged from $40 to $350, clothing items from $20 to $80, and small antiques were anywhere from $5 to $400. I imagine if you are a better haggler than me, you could probably talk some of these prices down too. There was something in practically every price range and some incredibly beautiful furniture pieces worth saving for. I will definitely be making a trip out there again soon.



Check out AIM's website and Facebook for previews of items they will have available each week.

Christie Thompson

Broad Street Series V1 | Nick's International Food Market

On the corner of Monroe Street and West Broad lives one of the best sandwich shops in the city. A small and modest produce market and deli, Nick's International Food Market has been a staple of Broad Street for decades. I stop by Nick's at least a few times a month for their incredible tuna sandwich on toasted wheat bread. You will be greeted by the smiling and always witty Tony (pictured above), who will take your order at the back counter. Tony is the kind of guy who will remember your name and order after a few weeks of stopping by. Grab a drink and some chips and peruse the incredible assortment of spices and international ingredients while you wait.


Ingredients galore!

The original Nick arrived in the US in 1951 and his store is now run by his sons, Manuel and Phillip. Nick's market is the kind of place that reminds you why it's important to know your neighbors and greet strangers on the sidewalk. Not to mention, the food is great and the service is warm. I'm a big fan of the tuna sammich but I've also heard awesome things about the Greek salad with anchovies (just try it!). Lastly, if you're on a budget, a sandwich typically will only run you about $5.

Stop by Nick's and support one of the last few surviving businesses that are holding down Broad Street!

Christie Thompson

Relay Foods

Image via Relay Foods Facebook

One of my favorite things about the summer is the abundance of farmer’s markets across and around the city. Nothing beats fresh and local real food. The one draw back of shopping at farmer’s markets is you can never seem to get all of your essentials in one place. Well, Relay Foods is here to solve that problem while saving you time and gas money.

Purchasing from Relay is as simple as shopping on the online store (where almost every local farm and food business is represented), checking out, and then picking up all your goodies from one convenient location! There are multiple locations around Richmond to choose from and you can stop by anytime between 3 pm and 7 pm. You can shop anytime during the week, as long as you make your purchase before midnight the day before you want to pick up your order.

I can’t wait to try this out and report back!

Christie Thompson

MCM on the Cheap

Today I had to drop off some donations for an organizing client at Diversity Thrift. I always like to pop in and see what Mid-Century Modern (MCM) furniture pieces they have - about a year ago I found an upholstered Eames DCM for $5, which sells for $250 on eBay! While it may not be an Eames chair, this retro sofa bed (currently at Diversity) has a lot of potential:


The color is much nicer in person.


Yep, just $59!

Ultimately it needs to be reupholstered, but it has great lines and would look very crisp with neutral furnishings and some graphic patterned pillows. The sleeper sofa aspect is handy for urban dwellings that lack a guest bedroom.

Kristen Ziegler

Gungho Guide

In lieu of our "Events This Week" post, I'd like to present to you Richmond's new Gungho Guide - "the definitive guide to where you should be." From their new site (which just launched on Friday):

"GunghoGuides.com is a place to celebrate the best things we love about Richmond. We picked the top hundred or so places that we feel contribute to the pride of living in this city. We wanted to create a site that presents these unique experiences and JUST these experiences as places you absolutely SHOULD patronize."

You can find info on food, museums, galleries, entertainment, apparel, beauty, retail and of course, events! We love the idea of consolidating all of this information in a city guide that's easy (and fun!) to search through. And oh hey - Minimalist is a featured blog. Thanks GG! You can find their free pamphlet/map in participating locations around town.

Side note - Anne Marie told me that a random guy on the street asked her if she wrote for Minimalist and then gave us a big compliment. Thanks guy on street, we like you too!

Kristen Ziegler

thief & BANDIT

Today I stumbled upon an awesome local artist/designer's work - Amie Cunningham of thief & BANDIT. She makes these amazing multi-color/pattern braided fabric necklaces that are sure to be the statement piece of any outfit. I'm going to have to get my hands on one soon. I love wearing patterned scarves as a necklace-like accent piece, and this accessory creates a very similar effect. LOVE love love. Check out their Etsy shop here and become a fan on Facebook here.

Kristen Ziegler

Retro Glasses with a Heart

My friend recently sent me a link for Warby Parker, a new revolution in eyewear. As a four-eyed person, I dread dropping $300+ whenever I need a new pair of specs. WP offers beautifully crafted, vintage-inspired glasses for $95/pair with prescription lenses. That beats Lenscrafters any day of the week - not to mention how stylish and unique their designs are. On top of being chic and affordable, WP has a Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program - for every pair of glasses sold, they provide one to someone in need. I know where I'm getting my next set of frames!

Kristen Ziegler

The 3/50 Project

Visit The 3/50 Project's website to find simple ways of supporting and growing your local independently owned retail businesses. There's even some well-designed free marketing material for businesses to use! As an owner or a consumer, there's definitely some valuable information to be shared. Very cool.

Kristen Ziegler

Groupon

Did you know about Groupon? Somehow I didn't until yesterday. I'd heard of it but didn't really know what it was.

My friend Jillian was telling me how she got a $50 haircut for $25 through Groupon last night at Ipanema. She explained that you sign up and they send you "daily deals" that you can purchase. Another example she cited was restaurant coupons where you paid $20 for $40 worth of food. As long as you aren't a sucker for deals, it seems like an awesome concept! The service is free, of course. I'll be signing up in t-minus five minutes. You can too, just click here!

Kristen Ziegler

Voxy Richmond

In sorting through my most recent Valpak coupon envelope, I found an advertisement for Voxy Richmond. It's "an interactive social media experience for the fun-loving, deal-seeking people of the Greater Richmond Metro area." I liked them on Facebook (click here) and it seems that they run a feed of current deals around town. Neat!

Kristen Ziegler