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.
Give 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 Post801 Window Gallery
Norfolk Public Schools and the NEON District collaborated with the condo owners of the Gray Building to create a rotating window gallery space, providing young artists in grades Kindergarten through 12 a place to exhibit their works in the community. NPS art students are passionate and NPS teachers work tirelessly to train and hone all … 801 Window Gallery
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 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