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.
3 Muses
Artist Victoria Weiss woke up one early morning and created these female characters based on symbolism and culture: the energy of a Gazelle able to outrun panthers and cheetahs; a cat, harking back to Egyptian cultures that treated felines like gods for protecting their owners; and third, a Chinese opera mask, elevating Chinese folk stories … 3 Muses
View PostGeometric Configuration #1, #2, and #3
Australian artist Karri McPherson used the late 1960s International Style architecture of the Wyndham Garden hotel, as well as its interior design, to inspire her three wall paintings. These configurations comprise hard-edged geometric shapes and employ color, shape and form as mechanisms to engage audiences with the vibrant murals.
View PostKeep Glowing
A black light reactive mural made from glass bottles and florescent colored resin now occupies the chain link fence along W. Wilson Avenue. Inspired by the former NEON Fiber Garden, the team of creators want you to see the energy created by the NEON District and “keep it glowing!” Volunteers Rachel Bartek, Suhyeon Kang, Jordan … Keep Glowing
View PostBlack Lives More Than Matter
Norfolk artists Nicole Harp and Clayton Singleton feel that they have a great responsibility as citizens and are honored to use visual arts in the fight for equality and all forms of justice; especially those affecting Black, indigenous, and people of color. No life matters until Black Lives Matter. As artists, they are compelled to … Black Lives More Than Matter
View PostJumbo-Wumbo Technico
Jumbo-Wumbo Technico, a vibrant 32-foot sculpture by Richmond artist Tommy Fox, anchors a new sculpture park for the Chrysler Museum of Art’s entrance at the intersection of Brambleton Avenue and Yarmouth Street. The artist describes his work for the Chrysler as “a lofty whimsical tower” that uses color theory and visual contrast to create a design that … Jumbo-Wumbo Technico
View PostSay Their Names
Artist William Payne’s mural unequivocally displays the hypocrisy that exists in America: innocent citizens, mainly minorities, killed by law enforcement with little to no repercussions. The imagery depicts an African-American man with his back to the viewer, barely holding onto a tattered American flag, flapping in the wind. The consummate symbol of America is ripped and … Say Their Names
View PostFlornamental
As a tattoo artist, the flow of things has always been very important to Patrick Loud. Organic motion and natural movements ensure that a tattoo looks right on the wearer. When painting the facade of the building, the artist combined the aesthetics of the neighborhood, natural elements of his tattoo work, and a feeling of … Flornamental
View PostPublic Gallery on a Post
In 2021, summer campers with Lil Truck of Tools built by hand a tiny gallery modeled after Little Free Library, as they learned to use power tools and the fundamentals of construction. Artists can apply to show artworks for a month at a time at the Public Gallery on a Post in Norfolk’s NEON District. … Public Gallery on a Post
View PostBella Bones
Aimee Bruce’s mural invites the viewer to take a selfie with Bella, Zeke’s wallflower t-rex. Surrounded by flora, this skeleton t-rex stands holding a peace offering to any individual who wishes to receive it. It was inspired by Roald Dahl’s quote, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the … Bella Bones
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