Preparing to Say Goodbye to Norfolk, VA - Part 2
Wall of Litho Prints by Heather Bryant, Sculpture by Diana Caramat, Paintings by Kelly Herring.
As I prepare to depart from Norfolk, I’ve decided to try to attend as many local events as possible. This sounds easy and simple, but with all the errands and chores I need to accomplish before leaving for NC, combined with my shyness, it has been a bit of a task.
This past weekend Norfolk embraced Team Better Block and decided to transform a dilapidated section of Downtown Norfolk into a temporary arts district, an important move while the proposed Norfolk Arts District is being reviewed by the powers that be.
You can read more about the event at AltDaily. There is a lot more to see and talk about than my little snippet here.
One of the more promising exhibits was Alchemy NFK. The hope is that the building will become a permanent facility, housing gallery/shop space and working studios. This is important because while as fun Better Block was and appeared, it is temporary. The test is to see what sticks, what Norfolk will allow to flower, what will receive consistent support from the city and citizens. Part of me feels a bit wistful about leaving at a time when things suddenly seem to be happening…but honestly, I’m not sure what will happen with Norfolk. I am solitary, therefore making me not even likely to help the community much even if I did remain. I hope this next year will make me a better and more useful person.
Perhaps I can return and be a better part of the community.
Check out the food trucks in the background!
I’ve been walking a lot, hoping to find things I’ve been too busy or self absorbed to notice or appreciate. I’m sad to be leaving Norfolk during Spring. I love how Ghent residents live on their porches and let their gardens run wild. I love the variety of buildings and walkability of the neighborhood.
On my walk home from the Better Block event, I found a hidden gallery full of early 19th-century paintings. They were very much mariner-themed, but it was nice to find something new very close to the proposed arts district. There is going to have to be variety to maintain sustainability…
Kellam Galleries was a neat secret space. I took some photos while inside, but the only thing that matters is this painting of a mermaid fighting a black belt in karate. It is called Karate-do, by Ralph Eugene Cahoon Jr. and can be yours for $14,000.00!
Karate-do, by Ralph Eugene Cahoon Jr.