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.
The 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 PostMy Standards
My Standards by the artist Bage is a 7’ tall one-eyed tomcat made of recycled breaker boxes, a light pole and other found metals. The 3-dimensional feline appeared one night in the tradition of other 2-dimensional graffiti aerosol art and now prowls the NEON looking for fun.
View PostThe Dream Machine
Jeff Beck’s idea for The Dream Machine was inspired by children’s theater group Hurrah Players and 1980’s toy robots that teach you things. The large star represents Hurrah with two tubes going into and coming out of the star. The tube with shades of gray represents a lack of fun and inspiration and while the opposite … The Dream Machine
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