Monday, Feb 23, 2026

Spectrum

Richmonders curb corporate consumption through ‘Barter Markets’

February 18, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer One man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure at Richmond’s Barter Markets — a reoccurring gathering rooted in camaraderie and sustainability hosted by the Anonymous Club. The markets — in which barterers trade whatever they have for whatever they want — were created as a protest against corporate consumption amid the genocide in Gaza. The next one is on Feb. 21. Tables of books, clothes, trinkets and more will span the Warehouse 317 Collective building, a hub built by artistic professionals for all things creative, as Richmonders exchange their unwanted items for whatever catches their eye. “It was really cool to see, although at first I didn’t know what it was,” Richmond native Sophia Nealy said. “But once I realized it was a place to exchange items without having to pay, I was instantly drawn to it.” Nealy went to the Anonymous Club’s November pop-up, which marked the fifth Barter Market by the group. As a big thrifter, she was happy to see the array of items that were on display, particularly the clothing, which she noted ranged across several different aesthetics.  “My friends and I love to go thrifting, you know?” Nealy said. “I thought it

A look into Richmond’s vibrant chess scene

February 18, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor  Chess is a game of patience, skill and quick thinking. Enthusiasts of the game from across Richmond gathered at the Black Iris club and gallery on Sunday to participate in a tournament of one of life’s most ubiquitous games, hosted by RVA Pieces. It was RVA Pieces’ third chess tournament at the Black Iris — and they have plans for more. The game of chess has evolved across cultures since the sixth century, first enjoyed in India, then Persia and the world — even in Hollywood on the Starship Enterprise and Millennium Falcon. Chess is as universal as brushing your teeth. Snuggly located to the right hand entrance of Cabell Library are chess boards for any passer by in the mood for a quick game.  Richmond’s chess scene is quite vast, with a good mix of children, college students and other age groups, according to Spenser Kearns, the president of RVA Pieces.  Kearns’ organization hosts three to four events each week that cater to people of all skill levels. They also play casual games at different bars and breweries, games in parks, lessons in libraries and tournaments at the Carytown Publix, according to

ICA immortalizes art exhibitions through publishing house

February 18, 2026

Devynn Alston, Contributing Writer The Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU is hosting a reception to celebrate the release of two books from their publishing house on Feb. 20 — bringing art off walls and onto book pages. The two books featured are “Living to Learn: Art and Education for the Common Good,” by Noah Simblist, an associate professor at VCUarts and “Dear Mazie: Sanctuary, Speculation, and Sky,” by Amber Esseiva, a senior curator at the ICA.  Both Simblist and Essevia chose the ICA as their publishing house because of the connections they have to the institute.  The ICA is considered an academic museum that looks to combine art and education, according to Simblist.  “It’s a kind of project that makes sense to them [the ICA] because some museums put on shows  for a general public. But, there’s an opportunity for a museum that’s inside of a university tied to scholarship and research that other public space might not be as invested in,” Simblist said. The institution is not a large publishing house — both authors were editors of the books and  outsourced the rest of their publishing processes. The two books are meant to be seen as extensions of

Exposure screens films about Black cowboys at ICA

February 12, 2026

Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor This month, Exposure Cinema presented “Nu West,” a series of films about Black cinema and the American West at the Institute for Contemporary Art. There is one screening left, and it is free to the public. Exposure Cinema is a “collective cinematic investigation,” according to their website. Founder and VCU alum Brandon Shillingford got started in the film curating scene because, as an avid movie watcher, he wished there was a space for fans to talk about movies after the showing. Shillingford does not screen current blockbuster films. Instead, he does monthly screening events with movies from all eras of cinema centered around themes such as “bloodlines,” movies about Black vampires or “tekno erotica,” sexy sci-fi films. “Nu West” is explained as “exploring the history, mythmaking and cinema that define the American West,” as stated on Exposure’s Instagram, and how it relates to the Black experience.  Shillingford explained that his childhood consisted of watching Western films, an experience he finds relatable to other Black people. “I feel like if you’re like a Black person or anybody from a marginalized community in America, it’s like ‘damn this is the medium — that’s so wonderful and there’s such

Richmonders curb corporate consumption through ‘Barter Markets’

Spectrum Editor February 18, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer One man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure at Richmond’s Barter Markets — a reoccurring gathering rooted in camaraderie and sustainability hosted by the Anonymous Club. The markets — in which barterers trade whatever they have for whatever they want — were created as a protest against corporate consumption amid the genocide in Gaza. The next one is on Feb. 21. Tables of books, clothes, trinkets and more will span the Warehouse 317 Collective building, a hub built by artistic professionals for all things creative, as Richmonders exchange their unwanted items for whatever catches their eye. “It was really cool to see, although at first I didn’t know what it was,” Richmond native Sophia Nealy said. “But once I realized it was a place to exchange items without having to pay, I was instantly drawn to it.” Nealy went to the Anonymous Club’s November pop-up, which marked the fifth Barter Market by the group. As a big thrifter, she was happy to see the array of items that were on display, particularly the clothing, which she noted ranged across several different aesthetics.  “My friends and I love to go thrifting, you know?” Nealy said. “I thought it was pretty unique how literally anyone could bring their clothes and I could just take it. There were boots, jeans, t-shirts and a lot of stuff I probably would’ve spent hours at a shop looking for if I didn’t find them here.” Experiences like Nealy’s highlight the community interaction and accessibility the creators of the market hope to establish. Bear Lumpkin, half of the founding duo that created the Anonymous Club, traces their start to October 2023.  “We started back when everything in Palestine started to ramp up,” Lumpkin said. “We were having a hard time grappling with our place in that, and we wanted to figure out something we could do to change the way we normally thought about resources or community.” The idea behind the Barter Market was to avoid using corporate businesses like Goodwill and other donation services. Without the middle man, people are free to come together to trade and exchange however they want without the prices, Lumpkin said. Initially, Lumpkin was worried about the overall set up of the market — how it would work and if people would know how to trade in a society where money is the ultimate form of exchange. “At

Richmonders curb corporate consumption through ‘Barter Markets’

February 18, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer One man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure at Richmond’s Barter Markets — a reoccurring gathering rooted in camaraderie and sustainability hosted by the Anonymous Club. The markets — in which barterers trade whatever they have for whatever they want — were created as a protest against corporate consumption amid the genocide in Gaza. The next one is on Feb. 21. Tables of books, clothes, trinkets and more will span the Warehouse 317 Collective building, a hub built by artistic professionals for all things creative, as Richmonders exchange their unwanted items for whatever catches their eye. “It was really cool to see, although at first I didn’t know what it was,” Richmond native Sophia Nealy said. “But once I realized it was a place to exchange items without having to pay, I was instantly drawn to it.” Nealy went to the Anonymous Club’s November pop-up, which marked the fifth Barter Market by the group. As a big thrifter, she was happy to see the array of items that were on display, particularly the clothing, which she noted ranged across several different aesthetics.  “My friends and I love to go thrifting, you know?” Nealy said. “I thought it was pretty unique how literally anyone could bring their clothes and I could just take it. There were boots, jeans, t-shirts and a lot of stuff I probably would’ve spent hours at a shop looking for if I didn’t find them here.” Experiences like Nealy’s highlight the community interaction and accessibility the creators of the market hope to establish. Bear Lumpkin, half of the founding duo that created the Anonymous Club, traces their start to October 2023.  “We started back when everything in Palestine started to ramp up,” Lumpkin said. “We were having a hard time grappling with our place in that, and we wanted to figure out something we could do to change the way we normally thought about resources or community.” The idea behind the Barter Market was to avoid using corporate businesses like Goodwill and other donation services. Without the middle man, people are free to come together to trade and exchange however they want without the prices, Lumpkin said. Initially, Lumpkin was worried about the overall set up of the market — how it would work and if people would know how to trade in a society where money is the ultimate form of exchange. “At

A look into Richmond’s vibrant chess scene

February 18, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor  Chess is a game of patience, skill and quick thinking. Enthusiasts of the game from across Richmond gathered at the Black Iris club and gallery on Sunday to participate in a tournament of one of life’s most ubiquitous games, hosted by RVA Pieces. It was RVA Pieces’ third chess tournament at the Black Iris — and they have plans for more. The game of chess has evolved across cultures since the sixth century, first enjoyed in India, then Persia and the world — even in Hollywood on the Starship Enterprise and Millennium Falcon. Chess is as universal as brushing your teeth. Snuggly located to the right hand entrance of Cabell Library are chess boards for any passer by in the mood for a quick game.  Richmond’s chess scene is quite vast, with a good mix of children, college students and other age groups, according to Spenser Kearns, the president of RVA Pieces.  Kearns’ organization hosts three to four events each week that cater to people of all skill levels. They also play casual games at different bars and breweries, games in parks, lessons in libraries and tournaments at the Carytown Publix, according to

ICA immortalizes art exhibitions through publishing house

February 18, 2026

Devynn Alston, Contributing Writer The Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU is hosting a reception to celebrate the release of two books from their publishing house on Feb. 20 — bringing art off walls and onto book pages. The two books featured are “Living to Learn: Art and Education for the Common Good,” by Noah Simblist, an associate professor at VCUarts and “Dear Mazie: Sanctuary, Speculation, and Sky,” by Amber Esseiva, a senior curator at the ICA.  Both Simblist and Essevia chose the ICA as their publishing house because of the connections they have to the institute.  The ICA is considered an academic museum that looks to combine art and education, according to Simblist.  “It’s a kind of project that makes sense to them [the ICA] because some museums put on shows  for a general public. But, there’s an opportunity for a museum that’s inside of a university tied to scholarship and research that other public space might not be as invested in,” Simblist said. The institution is not a large publishing house — both authors were editors of the books and  outsourced the rest of their publishing processes. The two books are meant to be seen as extensions of

Exposure screens films about Black cowboys at ICA

February 12, 2026

Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor This month, Exposure Cinema presented “Nu West,” a series of films about Black cinema and the American West at the Institute for Contemporary Art. There is one screening left, and it is free to the public. Exposure Cinema is a “collective cinematic investigation,” according to their website. Founder and VCU alum Brandon Shillingford got started in the film curating scene because, as an avid movie watcher, he wished there was a space for fans to talk about movies after the showing. Shillingford does not screen current blockbuster films. Instead, he does monthly screening events with movies from all eras of cinema centered around themes such as “bloodlines,” movies about Black vampires or “tekno erotica,” sexy sci-fi films. “Nu West” is explained as “exploring the history, mythmaking and cinema that define the American West,” as stated on Exposure’s Instagram, and how it relates to the Black experience.  Shillingford explained that his childhood consisted of watching Western films, an experience he finds relatable to other Black people. “I feel like if you’re like a Black person or anybody from a marginalized community in America, it’s like ‘damn this is the medium — that’s so wonderful and there’s such

VCU alums put on screening, sword fight to open Richmond Ren Faire season

February 11, 2026

Sapphira Mohammed, Copy Editor Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer Hundreds of Renaissance fans banded together in full costume on Saturday, ready to witness the rebirth of “The Princess Bride” with a live, sword fighting shadow cast — and the birth of Richmond’s first ever, full renaissance fair. In Virago Alley’s build-up to the Richmond Ren Faire, the nonprofit organization held a screening of the 1987 film at the Byrd Theatre. Virago Alley’s founder Amanda Robinson said they wanted something magical for their first event of 2026. “We just found the first week of February was a nice time to kick off this entire series of opening acts,” Robinson said. “ I think that this event is kind of a chance to highlight all three important facets of our organization and programming.”  The event was not a traditional screening, as a shadow cast made up of Virago Alley members performed in front of the screen during all of the fencing scenes. VCU associate professor, alum and vice president of Virago Alley, Bizhan Khodabandeh, played Inigo Montoya in the shadow cast. He was nervous in the days leading up to the show because of how complex the fencing scenes are in the movie.

Richmond gets ‘Lucky in Love’ at Valentine’s Day market

February 11, 2026

Molly Manning, Managing Editor Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor Richmonders got “Lucky in Love” sharing sweet treats, art, tattoos and more at a Valentine’s Love Market Saturday.  The market —hosted by  Lucky in Love Chapel — featured flash tattoos by fine-line and traditional tattoo artist Ryan Machado, who has been tattooing at Heroes and Ghosts in Carytown for two years. He got married at Lucky in Love in October and described his as a “million-dollar wedding for not a million dollars.” Machado said he immediately offered to help out at any events or tattoo-related needs Lucky in Love had. For the market, he catered to the public with small, “lovey dovey” flash designs ranging for arms and legs in his style of fine line and traditional tattoos. Other vendors included Field Day Boutique, which packed “pleasure boxes” filled with toys and accessories attendees could customize in addition to the other products they offered.  Photographer Aly Hansen, who photographs many of Lucky in Love’s weddings, took vintage-style polaroids for attendees. For those who worked up an appetite between their tattoos or live doodles from Destiny Doodles, RVA’s Cake Pop Design Company sold festive pops in flavors like chocolate-covered strawberry and red velvet.

Stall Seat Journal celebrates 25 years

February 11, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer A bright and down-to-earth guide designed for students, in 2026, The Stall Seat Journal celebrates 25 years this year as “VCU’s #1 Toilet Paper.” Spread out across the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, over 1,000 bathroom stalls are readily posted with health tips, safety information and where to find available resources. Founded in 2001 as a health campaign from RecWell, the journal has produced many issues that blend humor and art — using illustrated “ramsonda” with distinct personalities and looks — to build relatable connections with the students. “I think that the Stall Seat Journal is a really cool idea,” first-year criminal justice student Sasha Hoo said. “The art is super nice and it makes the information a lot more engaging. Plus, they stuck it in a spot where people couldn’t just throw it away.” Hoo notes that her high school had a similar paper, however she believes the VCU journal has a lot more to offer in terms of style and substance matter. “The student health and safety facts can be really beneficial for those who need them, and their information is definitely helpful to those who read them,” Hoo said. Each issue is designed to

Six spots to hold the perfect Valentine’s, Galentine’s or solo date in Richmond

February 11, 2026

Liz DeFluri, Contributing Writer Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whether you have a beau, some gal pals or are flying solo The Commonwealth Times is here with a list of Valentine’s plans that are not just dinner and a movie.  VMFA: Floris Tea Room and galleries  For an unforgettable Valentine’s or Galentine’s date, make a reservation at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Floris Tea Room.  Inspired by French and English tea services, Floris’ staff offer expertly crafted teas from various guest tea-makers paired with a plentiful rotating menu of sweets and savories.  You can enjoy a beautiful view of the museum’s Robbins Sculpture Garden while savoring delightful, chef-inspired creations. If tea isn’t your scene, take a stroll through the VMFA’s diverse art galleries featuring over 50,000 artworks from various countries and historical periods — for free!  Take out your rage.  Going through a breakup, or just hate the holiday? Rage RVA has you covered. Located in the Fan neighborhood, Rage RVA provides thrills for those who want to spend Valentine’s Day, or any day, breaking things.  Rage rooms have increased in popularity in recent years and oftentimes, Valentine’s Day is the most booked day of the year.

New VCU theatre group takes the stage

February 4, 2026

Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor  Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Staged, a new, student-led theatre organization focusing on small-scale, staged readings debuted their first production last weekend with “The Bonespurs.” Founded in October 2025, Staged is run by a team of eight cast and crew members. “The Bonespurs” ran for a total of 30 minutes with no intermission.  The organization focuses on character development from actors, rather than flashy set design and costumes, according to Novella Edwards, director of “the Bonespurs.” “There’s blocking, but most of the character buildings like it’s mostly focused on the actor’s voice on selling the character,” Edwards said.  Staged is joining VCU Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre (VCU S.A.L.T) and Doomsday Theatre Company as independent, student-led theatre outlets outside of the Mainstage productions.  Those involved with Staged hope to bring a new light to theater, Edwards said.  “I guess that staged is still a really new organization, but we’re just looking to do theater a different way,” Edwards said. “And just for people to be, I don’t know, just get ready to get weird.” The story of “the Bonespurs” follows a stereotypical 1950s American family living life like all is well, when in actuality they are stranded