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From our blog and art opportunities, to press on the district and our monthly newsletter — get caught up on all things NEON.
February 2025
The Perry Glass Studio is finally fired up and ready to be shared with the wide world. Pre-NEON District, the Studio first opened in 2011 as an experiment to add glassmaking and complement the Chrysler Museum of Art’s significant permanent glass collection. As the Studio’s scope expanded over the years, bringing in hundreds of working artists through apprenticeships and workshops, the NEON District grew up alongside it. The creative energy brought in by new multidisciplinary artists fed the early years of the NEON as those artists spread into the neighborhood making neon public art pieces, took up residence at Glass Wheel Studio, volunteered their time to beautify public spaces and gave birth to the NEON Festival. There is no NEON District without the Perry Glass Studio. And now it’s time to celebrate!
View PostJanuary 2025
Currently on view at Tidewater Community College’s Visual Arts & Design Center in Downtown Norfolk, Renewable Energies is the first exhibition to be co-produced by TCC and NEON.
View PostSubmit Your Story to The Story Exchange
What’s your story? We all have one—a moment, a memory, a lesson that’s shaped who we are. The WHRO Public Media Emerging Leaders Board is inviting YOU to be part of The Story Exchange, a MOTH-style storytelling series where our community comes together to reflect, share, and connect through the power of story. Visit this link today … Submit Your Story to The Story Exchange
View PostIntimate Friends Call to Artists
Coffee Black invites artists to submit work for an exhibition at Commune Norfolk for Intimate Friends, a group exhibition exploring themes of love, friendship, and human connection. On display February 14 to March 7, the exhibition accompanies an all out night of entertainment on Valentine’s Day with R&B vibes, live art, ice breaker games and … Intimate Friends Call to Artists
View PostDecember 2024
In this quiet time between holidays, we are reflecting back on a year of rebuilding and reimagining the NEON District. Although some friends and businesses moved on, transformation is still there, always incrementally building up. More than a decade after the formation of the District, we can see the payoff from years of community building and dedication to the arts. Here’s what we accomplished together this year.
View Post2024 Year in Review
In this quiet time between holidays, we are reflecting back on a year of rebuilding and reimagining the NEON District. Although some friends and businesses moved on, progress is still here, always incrementally building up. More than a decade after the formation of the District, we can see the payoff from years of community building … 2024 Year in Review
View PostNovember 2024
Each year, the NEON District collaborates with local artists to create custom holiday décor for display at the Plot. This year, a student team from The Governor’s School for the Arts baked up a batch of gingerbread people to show the rich diversity of our community. The young artists wanted to celebrate the festive season with a variety of cookie-shaped figures in fun fashions.
View PostNEON Gift Guide
This holiday season, score some unique gifts and support a locally-owned business while you’re at it! Here are some of the best spots to shop in the NEON District.
View PostOctober 2024
Word on the streets is that the 9th Annual NEON Festival might have been the best one yet. By inviting in local curators and event producers to own their own piece of the festival, there was truly a new energy pulsing through the neighborhood. From new spaces at Chrysler Museum Glass Studio to city streets full of festival-goers, you could see the smiling faces and know everyone was feeling the glow.
View Post9th Annual NEON Festival
The 9th annual NEON Festival returned to NFK October 18 & 19, 2024. The nights were lit with performances, music, murals, art and more! Stay tuned for 2025's tenth anniversary celebration!
Learn MoreCall For Artists
Hundreds of artists have passed through NEON walls over the years. Big or small, international or your next door neighbor, high school student or college professor - artists of all kinds and skill levels are welcome to contribute to the NEON District's public art collection. Apply for project-based open calls throughout the year to join the club.
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