North of the James

Barbara Johns

Jack R. Johnson 02.2026

Mom’s in There

Fran Withrow 02.2026

The People in Your Neighborhood

Fayeruz Regan 02.2026

John Henley: The Picture Maker

Art photography does not “capture” an image, trapping it like an animal, snared and then dumped into a cage. Something I did not know before I spoke with John Henley. It’s not that at all. The art of photography may freeze a specific moment in time, but there’s much more to it than that. For the eyes of the artist who practices in this medium have direct lines to both the heart and the mind. Perhaps even the soul. And after a thousand clicks, and over a dozen return trips to the same spot, that ideal image just might be recorded. It is a marvel that is transformative. And then the work continues in the darkroom—the sacrarium of the photographer.

By Charles McGuigan 02.2026

“Hamnet”: A Review in Quatrains

Kelly Kocher

Outrageously High Public Utility Bills

The Twin Pillars: Edwin John “Eddie” Slipek, Jr. & William J. “Bill” Martin

Happening now in the community:

Giants at The VMFA

02.2026

Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys will be on display through March 1 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibition from the collection of musical and cultural icons Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys is expansive, featuring more than 130 works of art by 36 Black artists from Africa, Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean.

Maker’s Studio At The Branch

02.2026

The Branch Museum of Design kicks off a new quarterly hands-on program this March called Maker’s Studio that invites the public to get involved in the art of making.

Each session offers an intimate, workshop-style experience led by regional artists and designers — a chance to slow down, learn something new, and create alongside others.

Black History Month at Richmond Public Library

02.2026

The Richmond Public Library invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with programs, resources, and digital collections that honor Richmond’s rich Black history. Shaped by Black creativity, leadership, and resilience, the city’s story is deeply connected to the experiences of its Black residents, past and present.

14th Annual RVA Environmental Film Festival Returns This Month

02.2026

The RVA Environmental Film Festival returns from February 21 through March 7 with films screening at Studio Two Three, and seven other locations in the Richmond metro area. The films tackle critical issues facing the environment, along with stories of restoration and hope. Several screenings offer the audience an opportunity to hear from and to speak with filmmakers and activists connected with the films.

Richmond Habitat 40th Anniversary

02.2026

What began as a small meeting at a pancake house in Richmond has grown into a dedicated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Since its founding, Richmond Habitat has built 398 homes and completed 240 home repairs for individuals and families in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. They have opened two ReStores, expanded their housing programs, hosted thousands of volunteers, and advocated for policies that ensure safe, affordable housing is within reach for all.

This spring, Richmond Habitat will hold a home dedication to commemorate the completion of the 400th home built for a Habitat homeowner.
To learn more about Richmond Habitat’s history and events, please visit richmondhabitat.org/40.

Richard Bland Art At Stir Crazy Cafe

02.2026

An exhibition of ten oil paintings by Richard Lee Bland will be on display at Stir Crazy through March. Richard, a North Carolinian by birth, has called Richmond home for most of his life. His paintings, many of which are en plein air, are done in oils in an Impressionist style. Over the years he has documented Richmond, and his paintings somehow capture the unique and palpable quality of Richmond, which you might call its soul. Along with being an accomplished artist, Richard Bland also possesses an almost encyclopedic knowledge of some of the more interesting facets of our city’s history.

Artisan Market At the Hermitage

02.2026

Hermitage Richmond is hosting their second annual Pop-Up Artisan Market on Friday and Saturday, April 10th and 11th, from 10 AM- 4 PM. Come browse a varied collection of handmade items and goods for sale, including local art, crafts, natural skincare products, candles, florals, plants, clothing, toys, and baked goods. This indoor market is free to attend!

Arthur Ashe Exhibit at Black History Museum

02.2026

"Arthur Ashe: An Enduring Legacy," an exhibition on display at The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, spotlights Arthur Ashe's early life in Richmond and travels throughout Virginia, the U.S., and beyond, which made him a true “Citizen of the World.”

Return of The Native

02.2026

From February 22 through February 28 you can learn a lot more about our local ecosystems and actually help remove invasive species and re-introduce natives. Richmond Invasive Species Awareness Week will feature a series of engaging activities, including opportunities to participate in invasive plant removals, educational nature walks, a children’s story hour, a film screening, and much more. Local environmental organizations, ecologists, botanists, and community leaders will collaborate to provide insights into the identification, prevention, and management of invasive species. And to top it off join in the fun at the annual Boogie For The Biosphere party at the week’s end.

For more information please visit https://jrpsinvasiveplants.org/our-work/invasives-week/

Monthly Music Lineup At Northside Grille

02.2026

Here’s a monthly list of bands and events hosted by Northside’s premier music venue— Northside Grille.

February 6, Devils Dice; February 7, Brilliant Mistakesv w/Brass in Pocket; February 11, Caroline Vain; February 12, The Highwater; February 13, The Biologics; February 14, The Last Respects; February 15, at 3 pm Prabir & Ricky Tubb, and at 8pm Ross Wrights Piano Lounge & Sing-a-Long; February 18, Ramona Martinez; February 19, Kurt Crandall & True Story; February 20, Roger Carroll; February 21, Unpretty Replacements Tribute; February 22, Markiss Blowfish; February 25, Dogwood Brothers String Band; February 26, Los Hermanos Alacranes; February 27, Carmen Ann &The Lowdown Gamblers; February 28, Crack Fox w/ Sorry Excuse; March 5, Jackass Flats; March 12, The Morning Glorys; March 13, Brandon Wayne; March 15, Memphis Lightning w/ Brady Heck; March 20, Warren Zevon Tribute; March 21, Wayward Leaves, and March 27, Lara Hope & Andrea Maddox.

Liminal Space At Eric Schindler

02.2026

"Liminal Space," new mixed media works by Ward Saunders, will be on display at Eric Schindler Gallery from February 13 through March 14.

This body of work begins with contour-line figure drawings made from life and remains intentionally unresolved. According to the artist, “Using layered mixed media—torn paper, graphite, ink, gouache, and water-soluble colored pencil—I work into and against the drawings, placing the figures in a suspended state that appears grounded within a liminal space.

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Dawn Flores: Out of Many One