New exhibit uses natural elements to highlight pain, experiences of enslaved people
Sahara Sriraman, Spectrum Editor A 25-minute video displayed on a projector shows close-up images of soil and dirt while playing sounds of singing, crying and wind blowing — setting the tone for Dineo Seshee Bopape’s exhibit, titled “Ile aye, moya, là, ndokh…harmonic conversations…mm.” Bopape’s exhibit opened at the Institute for Contemporary Art on Sept. 25 and […]
New app gives virtual tour of Monument Avenue, illustrates Richmond history
Mackenzie Meleski, Contributing Writer Richmond residents are now able to get an in-depth look at the history of the city through the landmarks that define them. The new app, “Monumental Conversations,” allows community members to get a spoken history of the city they live in. Sponsored by a few museums throughout the city, including the […]
Elite Rams redefines Stomp ‘N’ Shake at VCU, hosts communitywide field day
Jiana Smith, Contributing Writer VCU senior Raven Jefferson said she grew up around Stomp ‘N’ Shake cheer, the predominant style of cheer in her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. When she came to VCU after participating on her high school’s Stomp ‘N’ Shake team and serving as junior varsity captain, she said she felt like she […]
VCU alumna signs with international modeling agency
Sahara Sriraman, Spectrum Editor VCU alumna Tirtha Ratnam never thought she would be a well-known Richmond runway model, let alone an international one. However, four years after she went to her first casting call on an impulse, she’s signed with IMG Models, an international modeling agency. “It was something I wanted to do for a […]
Richmond-based clothing company Alma Mater reflects on recent growth
Sahara Sriraman, Spectrum Editor VCU senior Alex Moss said he never expected to see fellow students and Richmond residents wear the clothing he designed. “It’s been really crazy, that’s one thing I did not expect for sure. People really show up, not only in Richmond but at VCU,” Moss said. Alma Mater, founded by Moss, […]
VCU holds 9/11 commemoration, community reflects on 20th anniversary impact
Jiana Smith, Contributing Writer There were no clouds in the sky as students, faculty and guests dressed in military and first responder uniforms gathered in the Ram courtyard outside the University Student Commons on Friday, Sept. 10 — one day to the 20-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. “It was a beautiful […]
VMFA celebrates Latino culture with Puerto Rico Family Day
Zahra Ndirangu, Contributing Writer Onlookers cheer as a young girl dances to traditional Puerto Rican music as she delightedly waves a small Puerto Rican flag in her hand. Her mother looks on with pride as she takes a video, memorializing the moment. “It makes me really excited to see how much she loves it,” said […]
First Fridays Art Walk continues to shape Richmond arts community during pandemic
Swaay Cook, Contributing Writer Music erupts from all around. Chatter can be heard from onlooking crowds. The galleries and museums are visited slowly at first, but as the night goes on the crowds begin to grow. The First Fridays Art Walk, hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, has been a monthly event highlighting Richmond arts […]
VCUarts sophomores reflect on virtual Art Foundation classes, freshmen enjoy hands-on learning
Sahara Sriraman, Spectrum Editor Freshman Charlotte Abrams never thought she would learn and grow so much as an artist in her first month at VCUarts. She credits the support of her in-person Art Foundation classes to her progress. Abrams, an art foundation major, said that she has enjoyed all of her program classes, most of […]
VA Pridefest postponed due to COVID-19, offers other LGBTQ events instead
Milo Richards, Contributing Writer With the rise of COVID-19 cases and the delta variant in the city of Richmond, the decision to postpone this year’s Virginia Pridefest on Sept. 25 was not made lightly by the event’s organizers. The Richmond event that celebrates LGBTQ diversity and inclusivity, annually held at Brown’s Island, is now rescheduled […]