Virginia’s Creative Soul
Virginia’s arts scene showcases the creative talent that comes out of the Commonwealth, from well-regarded arts programs at universities like Virginia Commonwealth University and Shenandoah University to self-taught artists.
Hampton Coliseum, Hampton
This Newport News mural (shown above) from artist Austin Miles honors one of the city’s most beloved natives: Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the “First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz.”
The city of Franklin, located in the inland portion of the coastal Hampton Roads region, is represented in this downtown mural that showcases the city’s water- and outdoors-centric culture.
Roanoke River Greenway, Roanoke
Opened in 1969, Hampton Coliseum was one of several home arenas for the American Basketball Association’s Virginia Squires, and has hosted major touring acts including Elvis Presley, the Grateful Dead, Madonna, and Phish.
“Art Alley” in downtown Lynchburg is a public installation convenient to the city’s Lower Bluffwalk, a multi-level pedestrian walkway connecting restaurants, shops, and other attractions with views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
FloydFest, Floyd County
FloydFest is an award-winning world music and arts festival held annually in the Blue Ridge Mountains since 2002.
Barter Theatre, Abingdon
The Barter Theatre in Abingdon opened in 1933, with a price of admission of 35 cents or an equivalent amount of produce. In the early days, four out of five patrons paid their way with vegetables, dairy products, and livestock.
The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is an annual music festival held in Bristol each September. The festival will celebrate its 25th edition in 2026.
Warrenton
The “Butterfly Effect” mural in Old Town Alexandria was installed in 2019 as part of a local charity drive.
Staunton
This Gloucester County mural by Michael Rosato honors Thomas Calhoun Walker, who was born enslaved before becoming the first Black man to practice law in the county. His political career and public service work led to his being known as Virginia’s “Black Governor.”
Gloucester County
In late summer 2020, Christina Davis painted “Make Waves” in four days of nearly nonstop work in Lynchburg.
On the walls of the New College Institute in Martinsville, “Elephants on Parade,” a mural by local artist Jessie Ward, depicts a retro scene of elephants arriving in town before a circus.
New College Institute, Martinsville
