Public Art
Wander through the neighborhood and discover tiny art happenings, large-scale murals and pops of neon color and light. From works by nationally celebrated visual artists like Esteban del Valle and HENSE, to local heroes like Carl Medley III and Hannah Kirkpatrick, to the world-renowned Chrysler Museum of Art, come see the new energy of Norfolk on display.
Razzle Dazzle
One of the first murals in the NEON District, Nick Kuszyk’s bright colors and patterns are now a Norfolk icon, taking inspiration from dazzle patterns used to camouflage battleships during World War I.
View PostNFK-Arts
Artist Elliott Addesso worked with students of Norfolk’s Emerging Leaders program to paint a large mural at the south entrance to NEON that features various text and symbols celebrating Norfolk.
View PostAffinity
Young Governor’s School for the Arts visual artist Layla Todd’s design was selected for a new mural on the rotating art site in Magazine Lane. The goal of this project was to create a design that was simple but stylistically unique enough to make a recognizable and memorable piece. The shapes, line and color together … Affinity
View PostMr. Frog
Sam Hundley, a former illustrator and designer for The Virginian-Pilot, is a master of art using found objects, and Mr. Frog is no exception. The metal sculpture was refreshed and reinstalled on its lily pad in 2021.
View PostGreat America XVII: Remember the Honored Fallen
Great America XVII is a simple and reverent tribute to the sacrifice of the men and women in the United States military and their families created by local muralist Sam Welty. The figures are shown with little beyond their branch and service decoration. They are depicted from the neck down to allow the viewer to visualize … Great America XVII: Remember the Honored Fallen
View PostNeighborhood Markers
Local teens and adults assisted in a “paint-by-number” process to create a 63-foot-long mural on the CHKD Thrift Store in NEON. It was designed by Natalia Pilato, art education program director and assistant professor in Old Dominion University’s Department of Art and her ODU students with extensive community input. The 1,500-square-foot artwork represents community unity … Neighborhood Markers
View PostMy Standards
My Standards by Larry Bage is a 7’ tall one-eyed tomcat made of recycled breaker boxes, a light pole and other found metals. The 3-dimensional feline appeared one night in the tradition of other 2-dimensional graffiti aerosol art and now prowls the NEON looking for fun.
View PostThe Dream Machine
Jeff Beck’s idea for The Dream Machine was inspired by children’s theater group Hurrah Players and 1980’s toy robots that teach you things. The large star represents Hurrah with two tubes going into and coming out of the star. The tube with shades of gray represents a lack of fun and inspiration and while the opposite tube … The Dream Machine
View PostWhen Chameleons Rollerskate
Bright. Bold. Incredibly Awkward. Artist Charley Frances’ When Chameleons Roller Skate is a playful mural featuring a children’s book character that is in the middle of a story. The painted chameleon allows anyone who passes it to imagine the rest of the story, before and after, for themselves.
View PostPublic Art Program
Since the birth of the NEON District, new murals and sculpture projects have multiplied, through both top down and grassroots efforts. The combination creates an inclusive, welcoming arts community with a range of talents and styles. The NEON District's public art grant program supports individual artists and property owners seeking designs.
ExploreArts Archive
A number of amazing projects have graced the walls and galleries in the NEON District over the years. Some were temporary, some faded away gracefully and some rotate out over the years. Walk down memory lane with us.
Explore