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.
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 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 PostNEON Wayfinding Posters 2022
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 2022
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 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