In 2017, Work Program Architects, Downtown Norfolk Council and Sway Creative Labs joined forces to create an artistic sign package for NEON that included pedestrian signs, gateway fixtures and sidewalk “breadcrumbs” to lead visitors around the neighborhood. Two custom fabricated steel signs were placed on Olney Road and Grace Street with attraction listings and windows designed to display local artists’ work, rotating out every other year. The 2020 signs feature work by Amanda Bradley, Clarissa David, Clayton Singleton and Ja’lisa Yates.
NEON Wayfinding Posters 2020
In 2017, Work Program Architects, Downtown Norfolk Council and Sway Creative Labs joined forces to create an artistic sign package for NEON that included pedestrian signs, gateway fixtures and sidewalk “breadcrumbs” to lead visitors around the neighborhood. Two custom fabricated steel signs were placed on Olney Road and Grace Street with attraction listings and windows … NEON Wayfinding Posters 2020
View PostAlley “Rug”
Originally a part of the community NEONing project, the first alley “rug” was painted in Magazine Lane by artist Joan Biddle and The Governor’s School for the Arts in a faux-Oriental rug design. Since 2015, it has become a rotating project GSA Visual Arts students who repaint it every two years. This squiggly playful version … Alley “Rug”
View PostXenon
The artist Silas Baker wanted his mural to be a welcome sign as you enter the NEON District in downtown Norfolk. Sticking to a graffiti-style design which has always been a strong passion of his, the mural was bright, colorful and eye-catching, what most people associate with classic neon signage. Baker’s mural was the third … Xenon
View PostKeep Glowing
Keep Glowing was a black light reactive mural made from glass bottles and florescent colored resin that occupied the chain link fence along W. Wilson Avenue behind the Virginia ABC store. Inspired by the former NEON Fiber Garden, the team of creators wanted viewers to experience the energy created by the NEON District and “keep … Keep Glowing
View PostNotice Me #13
Girl Noticed is a community mural project, traveling the globe to build and maintain a world better informed about the positive impact the simple act of “noticing” a girl has. Every girl, just the way she is, has something about her worth noticing. Girl Noticed makes the bold statement that it is a community’s responsibility … Notice Me #13
View PostChrysler Neon Roof Gallery
Chrysler Museum Glass Studio assistants and artists created new neon installations for the exterior of the studio for several years as a celebration of the annual NEON Festival. In addition to the talents the studio assistants have with glass, many are experienced with traditional neon tubing.
View PostJewel
Her ignited eyes floated under the sea waves. In Navid Rahman’s second mural in the NEON District, he took on the mermaid, an iconic symbol of Norfolk and remade her into a lush and ethereal beauty beckoning you down Magazine Lane. Painted over in 2025, the mural was located on the rear of Norfolk Printing … Jewel
View PostStay Woke
Multimedia artist Isabella Thompson installed yarn bomb “Stay Woke” in 2018. For years, the piece remained anonymous, reminding all viewers it doesn’t matter who you are or if anyone knows or not, it’s vital to get in tune with your environment and community. Isabella returned to the NEON District in 2024, creating more yarn bombs … Stay Woke
View PostUpper Blush
In 2016, the City of Norfolk Public Art Commission received a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant to create public art addressing a community issue. Artist Matthew Geller created a large water-collecting swaying bench to bring awareness to Norfolk’s relationship with sea-level rise and flooding. In 2023, the piece was relocated to Water … Upper Blush
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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