Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026

Spectrum

‘Ode to the Anomalous’ exhibition abstracts personal stories

February 25, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer  “Ode to the Anomalous,” is a month-long exhibition showcasing the art of six artists at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery, or SCAG, that explores works in fabric, acrylic and other mixed mediums.  The artists participating in the exhibition are Alex Sorapuru, Asa Jackson, James Williams III, Huey Lightbody, Serron Green and Taj Posce. All are contributing their unique voices and perspectives.  Ra-Twoine “Rosetta” Fields, founder of SCAG and curator of the exhibition, brought in works of the artists he has worked with for over 10 years as either a curator, collector or a curious patron of the art. All artists exhibiting their work are traveling from different states, including New Jersey, Louisiana and Maryland — to name a few.  “To represent them speaks to me as a curator, my travels and helping artists reach their growth,” Fields said. The inspiration for “Ode to the Anomalous,” comes from Fields’ desire for people to explore how artists use materials to translate their experiences and narratives within their artwork.  “[It] functions as a space of reflection. Navigating the feeling of uncertaininty and doubt. Pieces serve as mirrors depicting lived experiences,” Fields said.  Fields wants people to explore how artists used

Student org empowers Black artists from gallery walls to the big screen

February 25, 2026

Lelia Contee, Contributing Writer  From gallery walls to projected screens, Black Art Student Empowerment, or BASE, at VCU, worked with multiple organizations to platform students’ artistry across mediums.  BASE and Black Cinema Society hosted a screening that featured six Black student films, exploring Black identity, culture, community and experiences at The Depot on Feb. 20.  BASE also hosted an exhibition called “Black Fidelity: Crafted in the Storm,” that will run until Feb. 28 at the Anderson.  Kailah Augustine, co-president of the Black Cinema Society, hopes the screening inspired audiences to create and share their art or simply enjoy the immersive experience.  The films presented were: “Why Was I Born So Different,” by Kendell Liverpool; “Music is My Drug,” by Janiya Taylor and Jack Pendleton; “Strange Fruit,” by Ashley Davis; “At the Tone,” by Aja Williams and George Weston; “Different,” by Amanda Malcolm; and “Mama’s Roots,” by Ash Jones and Joy Sharpe.  The short films examined how Black people navigate a world that dehumanizes them while still finding connection and belonging, according to Yterniti Williams, the president of BASE.   “Art is a driver of culture,” Yterniti Williams said. “Art is expression, is freedom, is one of the few things you have

‘House to Highway’ exhibition reclaims Jackson Ward history

February 25, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer The Library of Virginia hosted its inaugural “Culturescape” event, highlighting Black artists and honoring Black history, guests got to explore different exhibitions, presentations and took a tour through “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History,” a historic reflection on Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood using archival records from the Library’s collection. The event took place Saturday, Feb. 21 and was free to the public. From sculptures to paintings, the exhibition presented all types of art from all walks of life around the community, telling stories of culture and expressing the emotions of those in history. “It was beautiful to see art that I could relate to,” Richmond local Hillary Johnson said. “Black experiences are so complex and real so just being able to see pieces that show our lives, our struggles and our past is just wonderful.” As a new event on their roster, the Library aims to continue hosting “Culturescape” every few months — hoping to attract larger, diverse crowds, according to Sarah Falls, the library’s chief of researcher engagement. “I call it sort of a cafeteria approach,” Falls said. “Folks can come in here on a day where we’re open, roughly every other Saturday, but

Elegba Folklore Society brings African diaspora in the form of dance

February 25, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  With walls covered in art and decor from across the African diaspora — laughter and conversation harmonized with traditional African drum music on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Elegba Folklore Society.  Elegba Folklore Society’s cultural center is located at 101 E. Broad St. It typically functions as an educational gallery. Each piece of art and jewelry in the space has a meaning connected to Africa, according to founder Janine Bell.  They are committed to celebrating African and African-American culture year-round, according to their website. Elegba is a deity that comes from Yoruba cosmology of West Africa and is an “intercessor who opens the roads, bringing clarity out of confusion.”  The point of Convergence is to share the history of African dance through African dance, according to Bell.  “How many people say ‘Oh, y’all over there jumping up and down with some drum beats,’ and giving it no artistic credibility? When African dance is the first forms of movement that we know on the planet. African drums is the first forms of music that we know on the planet. This is the classical dance,” Bell said.  Convergence consisted of four classes, three dances and one drum. They

‘Ode to the Anomalous’ exhibition abstracts personal stories

Spectrum Editor February 25, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer  “Ode to the Anomalous,” is a month-long exhibition showcasing the art of six artists at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery, or SCAG, that explores works in fabric, acrylic and other mixed mediums.  The artists participating in the exhibition are Alex Sorapuru, Asa Jackson, James Williams III, Huey Lightbody, Serron Green and Taj Posce. All are contributing their unique voices and perspectives.  Ra-Twoine “Rosetta” Fields, founder of SCAG and curator of the exhibition, brought in works of the artists he has worked with for over 10 years as either a curator, collector or a curious patron of the art. All artists exhibiting their work are traveling from different states, including New Jersey, Louisiana and Maryland — to name a few.  “To represent them speaks to me as a curator, my travels and helping artists reach their growth,” Fields said. The inspiration for “Ode to the Anomalous,” comes from Fields’ desire for people to explore how artists use materials to translate their experiences and narratives within their artwork.  “[It] functions as a space of reflection. Navigating the feeling of uncertaininty and doubt. Pieces serve as mirrors depicting lived experiences,” Fields said.  Fields wants people to explore how artists used the materials to translate their experiences and their narratives within their artwork and draw more attention to the curation work.  Sorapuru, a New Orleans-based visual artist and architectural designer participating in this exhibition, believes visual and written art share fundamental elements.   “Visual art and poetry intersect in that gap, inviting interpretation and personal connection,” Sorapuru stated.   Sorapuru’s work for the exhibition is based on colorblocking and use of vellum and collage, embodying the idea of structure, rhythm and its absence. His compositions explore structure, negative spaces and transparency.  The artist was drawn to the theme  “Ode to the Anomalous,” in his art he explored the “spaces between structure and organic life, how identity shifts and grows,” Sorapuru stated. “Like the process of storytelling from our own personal point of view,” Sorapuru stated.  Green is a New Jersey-based artist and uses various mediums such as text, images, sculptures and installations to create his art. His work titled “Black Love” on display for Southside Gallery is a piece from a small series of text-based work he created, his approach to artistic creativity to visually stimulate the audience.  The art Green created expresses the Black American experience and Green loved the way people

‘Ode to the Anomalous’ exhibition abstracts personal stories

February 25, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer  “Ode to the Anomalous,” is a month-long exhibition showcasing the art of six artists at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery, or SCAG, that explores works in fabric, acrylic and other mixed mediums.  The artists participating in the exhibition are Alex Sorapuru, Asa Jackson, James Williams III, Huey Lightbody, Serron Green and Taj Posce. All are contributing their unique voices and perspectives.  Ra-Twoine “Rosetta” Fields, founder of SCAG and curator of the exhibition, brought in works of the artists he has worked with for over 10 years as either a curator, collector or a curious patron of the art. All artists exhibiting their work are traveling from different states, including New Jersey, Louisiana and Maryland — to name a few.  “To represent them speaks to me as a curator, my travels and helping artists reach their growth,” Fields said. The inspiration for “Ode to the Anomalous,” comes from Fields’ desire for people to explore how artists use materials to translate their experiences and narratives within their artwork.  “[It] functions as a space of reflection. Navigating the feeling of uncertaininty and doubt. Pieces serve as mirrors depicting lived experiences,” Fields said.  Fields wants people to explore how artists used the materials to translate their experiences and their narratives within their artwork and draw more attention to the curation work.  Sorapuru, a New Orleans-based visual artist and architectural designer participating in this exhibition, believes visual and written art share fundamental elements.   “Visual art and poetry intersect in that gap, inviting interpretation and personal connection,” Sorapuru stated.   Sorapuru’s work for the exhibition is based on colorblocking and use of vellum and collage, embodying the idea of structure, rhythm and its absence. His compositions explore structure, negative spaces and transparency.  The artist was drawn to the theme  “Ode to the Anomalous,” in his art he explored the “spaces between structure and organic life, how identity shifts and grows,” Sorapuru stated. “Like the process of storytelling from our own personal point of view,” Sorapuru stated.  Green is a New Jersey-based artist and uses various mediums such as text, images, sculptures and installations to create his art. His work titled “Black Love” on display for Southside Gallery is a piece from a small series of text-based work he created, his approach to artistic creativity to visually stimulate the audience.  The art Green created expresses the Black American experience and Green loved the way people

Student org empowers Black artists from gallery walls to the big screen

February 25, 2026

Lelia Contee, Contributing Writer  From gallery walls to projected screens, Black Art Student Empowerment, or BASE, at VCU, worked with multiple organizations to platform students’ artistry across mediums.  BASE and Black Cinema Society hosted a screening that featured six Black student films, exploring Black identity, culture, community and experiences at The Depot on Feb. 20.  BASE also hosted an exhibition called “Black Fidelity: Crafted in the Storm,” that will run until Feb. 28 at the Anderson.  Kailah Augustine, co-president of the Black Cinema Society, hopes the screening inspired audiences to create and share their art or simply enjoy the immersive experience.  The films presented were: “Why Was I Born So Different,” by Kendell Liverpool; “Music is My Drug,” by Janiya Taylor and Jack Pendleton; “Strange Fruit,” by Ashley Davis; “At the Tone,” by Aja Williams and George Weston; “Different,” by Amanda Malcolm; and “Mama’s Roots,” by Ash Jones and Joy Sharpe.  The short films examined how Black people navigate a world that dehumanizes them while still finding connection and belonging, according to Yterniti Williams, the president of BASE.   “Art is a driver of culture,” Yterniti Williams said. “Art is expression, is freedom, is one of the few things you have

‘House to Highway’ exhibition reclaims Jackson Ward history

February 25, 2026

Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer The Library of Virginia hosted its inaugural “Culturescape” event, highlighting Black artists and honoring Black history, guests got to explore different exhibitions, presentations and took a tour through “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History,” a historic reflection on Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood using archival records from the Library’s collection. The event took place Saturday, Feb. 21 and was free to the public. From sculptures to paintings, the exhibition presented all types of art from all walks of life around the community, telling stories of culture and expressing the emotions of those in history. “It was beautiful to see art that I could relate to,” Richmond local Hillary Johnson said. “Black experiences are so complex and real so just being able to see pieces that show our lives, our struggles and our past is just wonderful.” As a new event on their roster, the Library aims to continue hosting “Culturescape” every few months — hoping to attract larger, diverse crowds, according to Sarah Falls, the library’s chief of researcher engagement. “I call it sort of a cafeteria approach,” Falls said. “Folks can come in here on a day where we’re open, roughly every other Saturday, but

Elegba Folklore Society brings African diaspora in the form of dance

February 25, 2026

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  With walls covered in art and decor from across the African diaspora — laughter and conversation harmonized with traditional African drum music on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Elegba Folklore Society.  Elegba Folklore Society’s cultural center is located at 101 E. Broad St. It typically functions as an educational gallery. Each piece of art and jewelry in the space has a meaning connected to Africa, according to founder Janine Bell.  They are committed to celebrating African and African-American culture year-round, according to their website. Elegba is a deity that comes from Yoruba cosmology of West Africa and is an “intercessor who opens the roads, bringing clarity out of confusion.”  The point of Convergence is to share the history of African dance through African dance, according to Bell.  “How many people say ‘Oh, y’all over there jumping up and down with some drum beats,’ and giving it no artistic credibility? When African dance is the first forms of movement that we know on the planet. African drums is the first forms of music that we know on the planet. This is the classical dance,” Bell said.  Convergence consisted of four classes, three dances and one drum. They

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

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.