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 2024 signs feature works by Sema the Photographer, J. Schwalm, Nai Turner and Karen Long Freidt.
Grace Street:
vision. (digital photography), Sema the Photographer, 2023
Strawberry Smoothie (acrylic gouache on paper), J. Schwalm, 2022
Olney Road:
Can’t Be Everything to Everybody (digital painting), Nai Turner, 2023
Mood (Block printing with digital edits), Karen Long Freidt, 2024
NEON Wayfinding Posters 2024
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 2024
View PostInternational Yarn Bombing Day 2024
Multimedia artist Isabella Thompson returned to the NEON District in 2024, creating yarn bombs inspired by local businesses for International Yarn Bombing Day on June 11. Yarn bombs are street artworks created by fiber enthusiasts who crochet or knit pieces for display in public environments, often covering trees, fences or benches. Try to find all … International Yarn Bombing Day 2024
View PostHealing Hearts
As a collaboration between the Renova Center and the Samaritan House, the artist decided to feature words of empowerment and faceless characters of some of the many heroes helping individuals and families with healing hearts. The mural was mostly painted in the fall of 2023 by d’Art Center artist Vivian Davis with help from volunteer … Healing Hearts
View PostNEON Walls
In art-filled Magazine Lane, NEON Walls took more than 300 feet of privacy fencing and converted it into a living graffiti gallery. Led by internationally-known street art crew Few and Far, a collection of graffiti writers and street artists from Hampton Roads, Virginia and beyond painted the fence in the days leading up the 2023 … NEON Walls
View PostWalking on Water
In the fall of 2023, The Governor’s School for the Arts visual arts student Iolanna Nuzzo designed a new “rug” for the rotating art site in Magazine Lane, between 801 Granby and Hurrah’s Copeland Center. The alley rug is a popular selfie spot in NEON. GSA Artist Assistants: • Sofia Cateternam • Jordan Collins • … Walking on Water
View PostAnatomy of NEON
Young Governor’s School for the Arts visual artist Aspen Knight’s design was selected for a new mural on the rotating art site in Magazine Lane. Aspen’s painting replaced a previous mural painted by Governor’s School for the Arts student Layla Todd.
View PostNEON Squared
As a continuation of their artistic bench project, Governor’s School for the Arts students initially painted six sidewalk mural squares in the NEON in 2018. Now an ongoing project, visual art students repaint and add new mural squares on sidewalks annually. GSA students also refresh the Magazine Lane “carpet” seen behind 801 Granby Street every … NEON Squared
View PostSweet Treats
Nestled in Norfolk’s NEON District, the Sweet Treats mural bursts with colorful creativity behind Hummingbird Dessert Boutique, enticing all with its 30 delectable sweets. A confectionery wonderland, the hand-painted mural blends vivid, cheerful hues on its dreamy canvas. It’s a paradise for sweet enthusiasts, showcasing mouthwatering macarons, cupcakes, ice cream cones, candies, and cookies, all … Sweet Treats
View PostThe Kindness of Strangers
The Kindness of Strangers is a heavy nod to the vibrant NEON District in Norfolk, Virginia. As a creative, Kyle Confehr meets all sorts of people when doing public art. But the response to his work in Norfolk was nothing but positive and encouraging. He wanted this piece to reflect that back on the city … The Kindness of Strangers
View Post7th Annual NEON Festival
The 7th annual NEON Festival returned to NFK October 20 & 21, 2022. The nights were lit with performances, music, murals, art and more!
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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