The Governor’s School for the Arts hosted a series of workshops with London-based artist Matthew McGuinness for six weeks in the spring of 2022 working with visual arts students to research the theme, “A History of Lunchtime in Norfolk”.
In these workshops, Matthew and the Gourmandizing team encouraged and directed the students towards desk and field research that culminated in a range of historical content, contemporary stories, sentimental quips and anecdotes pertaining to lunch. Matthew helped the students make sense of the story and uncover and synthesize their findings into artwork. In the fall of 2022, these individual pieces were woven together into a mural in the NEON District (painted by Matthew and the students) and a zine that illustrates the student body’s findings, process and final makings. Click here to read more about Gourmandizing projects.
Located on the side of a longstanding family-owned business in the NEON, the Virginia Furniture Company at 745 Granby Street, the mural is aesthetically pleasing and informative, with images of food and ingredients from local cuisine. The mural is presented by The Monument Companies and Legend Property Group with support from PRA Group and The Governor’s School for the Arts Foundation.
Gourmandizing NEON
The Governor’s School for the Arts hosted a series of workshops with London-based artist Matthew McGuinness for six weeks in the spring of 2022 working with visual arts students to research the theme, “A History of Lunchtime in Norfolk”. In these workshops, Matthew and the Gourmandizing team encouraged and directed the students towards desk and … Gourmandizing NEON
View PostA Pot of Good Times
Two Fine Art students from Norfolk State University were selected in 2022 for a large-scale mural at the northern gateway into the NEON neighborhood. Asiko-oluwa Aderin is an undergraduate student in NSU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program, with a concentration in Graphic Design. Her works, expressed through digital and acrylic media, focus on appreciating black … A Pot of Good Times
View PostThe Lloowellyns
Two Fine Art students from Norfolk State University were selected in 2022 for a large-scale mural at the northern gateway into the NEON neighborhood. Asiko-oluwa Aderin is an undergraduate student in NSU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program, with a concentration in Graphic Design. Her works, expressed through digital and acrylic media, focus on appreciating black … The Lloowellyns
View PostPink Neon
Virginia Beach artist Hanna Kirby was selected to create a mural design for the rotating art space on the rear of a NEON District billboard in 2022. She is the fourth artist represented on the rotating mural space on Bob’s billboard sign. An illustrator, graphic designer, painter, chef, exhibition designer and muralist, Hanna holds an … Pink Neon
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 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 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 PostBlack Lives More Than Matter
Nicole Harp and Clayton Singleton 2020 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. … Black Lives More Than Matter
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 … Say Their Names
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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