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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.
Planting the Seeds of Resilience in NEON
Community volunteers, new partnerships, and native plants help the District grow greener and stronger. This spring, the NEON District took another step forward in stormwater resilience and neighborhood beautification with support from the City of Norfolk’s Retain Your Rain mini-grant program. Focused on one of the most flood-prone intersections in the city—Boush Street and Olney … Planting the Seeds of Resilience in NEON
View PostThe Chrysler Museum of Art Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Perry Glass Studio
The long-awaited renovation and expansion of the Perry Glass Studio is finally here. Open since 2011, the 9,200-square-foot glass-making and artist studio is an anchor to the NEON District, providing a constant funnel of new and experienced artists into Norfolk’s art scene. The last few years brought significant renovations, including a 24,000-square-foot expansion, bringing the … The Chrysler Museum of Art Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Perry Glass Studio
View PostMarch 2025
Explore the NEON District’s gallery of street art this spring on a free walking tour. Produced in partnership with Norfolk Tour Company since 2017, these guided tours offer a unique up-close view of more than 100 works of art. From towering murals to hidden gems, visitors will uncover the stories, techniques, and inspirations behind the art, as well as the local businesses, events, and community efforts that make NEON a thriving creative hub. Tours commence on Saturday, May 17 at 4pm at The Plot and continue monthly until December.
View Post“Red Zig Zag – a fence around nothing” Sculpture Unveiling
Red Zig Zag – A Fence Around Nothing Debuts in Norfolk A striking new sculpture, Red Zig Zag – a fence around nothing, will be unveiled on March 28 at 11am at the intersection of Grace and Duke Street, across from the Chrysler Museum and the new Perry Glass Studio. Created by Anton Bakker, who … “Red Zig Zag – a fence around nothing” Sculpture Unveiling
View PostFebruary 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 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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