Virginias 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.

Sunset at Hampton Coliseum, Hampton

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.

Woman in front of mural in downtown Franklin
Mural on the Roanoke River Greenway

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.

2 individuals in front of Art Alley in Downtown Lynchburg
Aerial picture of FloydFest at night

FloydFest, Floyd County

FloydFest is an award-winning world music and arts festival held annually in the Blue Ridge Mountains since 2002.

Floydfest
Barter Theatre, Abingdon

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.

The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
People in front of a mural in Warrenton Virginia

Warrenton

The Butterfly Effect mural in Old Town Alexandria was installed in 2019 as part of a local charity drive.

The Butterfly Effect mural
Mural in Staunton that reads "You Belong Here."

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 Virginias Black Governor.

Mural of Thomas Calhoun Walker
Mural in Glouceser County

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.

Make Waves mural
New College Institute, Martinsville

New College Institute, Martinsville

Suggested Reading

Alexandria Troupe

A Conversation on Real Estate in Virginia

Second Quarter 2025

Alexandria Troupe, a licensed agent at River Fox Realty in Richmond, discusses the real estate market in Richmond and Virginia as a whole, including the factors that draw homebuyers to Virginia and the Commonwealth’s relative affordability along the Interstate 95 corridor.

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Thumbnail_Four Seasons

A Little Bit of Everything

Second Quarter 2025

Virginia’s moderate, four-season climate is a draw for residents of all interests. From the mountains to the beach, Virginians can experience summer heat, winter snow, and everything in between without leaving the Commonwealth.

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Podcasts

Andy Edmunds

Visual Virginia: A Conversation With Andy Edmunds

July 9, 2025

Director, Virginia Film Office

Michelle Williams, Julia Boas

The Sweet Spot of Jobs and Livability: A Conversation With Julia Boas and Michelle Williams

July 9, 2025

Director of Business Investment and Talent and Digital Strategies Program Manager, Roanoke Regional Partnership

Candice Ling

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: A Conversation With Candice Ling

April 1, 2025

Senior Vice President, Microsoft

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