Public Art
Wander through the neighborhood and discover tiny art happenings, large-scale murals and pops of neon color and light. From works by nationally celebrated visual artists like Esteban del Valle and HENSE, to local heroes like Carl Medley III and Hannah Kirkpatrick, to the world-renowned Chrysler Museum of Art, come see the new energy of Norfolk on display.
NEON 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 PostGive Light
The corporate motto for Scripps, the parent company of WTKR News 3, “give light and the people will find their own way,” was the inspiration behind this mural created by Virginia Wesleyan University Professor of Art John Rudel.
View PostColor Blot
Artist Parrish Majestic’s “Color Blot” window panels are inspired by the famous Rorschach tests used in psychology where subjects’ perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretation. Instead of analyzing with ink, Parrish aimed to entertain and inspire with color blots that engage with pedestrians walking by the canvases. Currently on view … Color Blot
View PostNEON Cube
The NEON Cube is the result of dreams to rehabilitate an iconic downtown structure and current efforts to establish and brand Norfolk’s first arts district, the NEON District. 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 … NEON Cube
View PostGourmandizing 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 PostPublic Art Program
Since the birth of the NEON District, new murals and sculpture projects have multiplied, through both top down and grassroots efforts. The combination creates an inclusive, welcoming arts community with a range of talents and styles. The NEON District's public art grant program supports individual artists and property owners seeking designs.
ExploreArts Archive
A number of amazing projects have graced the walls and galleries in the NEON District over the years. Some were temporary, some faded away gracefully and some rotate out over the years. Walk down memory lane with us.
Explore