Visions of Progress consists of stunning photographs of pre-Harlem Renaissance era representations of African American life. The images show a multifaceted perspective of African Americans in Virginia during the early 20th century.

Exhibit Hours
Wednesday - Saturday
10AM-5PM

$0-$10
Tickets available here

As Southside Contemporary Art Gallery continues to fully open its doors and develop its creative presence in Richmond, VA, we have curated a solo exhibit of new works from emerging artist: Rain Spann.

Rain Spann (b. 1998; Abbeville, AL) is a Virginia-based Artist with a traditional background in Computer Engineering. His work focuses on the Artists’ curiosity of introspection, observations of everyday life, societal interactions, and the intersection between art and technology. Spann has participated in numerous national group exhibitions and has successfully showcased two solo exhibitions to date. His artwork has been collected by private collectors across the country, including the Fresh Prince of Bel Air Airbnb in 2020. Within a year, he has participated in the Annual Cabin Fever Auction, participated in the 2023 Contemporary Arts Network Auction & Group Exhibition, and has been accepted into two residency programs between VA and NY. Presently, the Artist is focused on his third solo exhibition, “Growing Spirit”, being housed at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery in Richmond, VA.

Gallery Hours
Saturday - Tuesday
10AM-5PM

Thursday - Saturday
12PM-6PM

Free Admission

EXHIBITION I Lizzie Brown: In Full Color

Lizzie Brown is a Richmond native and alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a dual degree in Painting/Printmaking and Art Education.

Through her art she considers the misconceptions centered around people of color. Looking to biblical and spiritual references, she depicts the beauty, resilience, and strength of African American men, women, and children through the use of color blocked and/or highly rendered portraiture. The physical act of layering and blending paint and/or use of shape and color to construct form, symbolically blur and deconstruct the false perceptions associated with African Americans. This exhibit is a collection of paintings that serve as a renewed image of black people in all their colors.

A former art educator, she became the owner of From The Core Art Studio in fall of 2021, in order to pursue her creative endeavors, while continuing to share and foster a love for art with youth. She has been displaying her work in galleries and spaces throughout Richmond, D.C., and Maryland, working in conjunction with the Mending Walls Project, vending at various pop-up markets in surrounding areas, and leading art experiences and camps for youth. Lizzie’s connection to creating and teaching art is a form of ministry.

This exhibit will be in the Centre Gallery. Visit www.artworksrva.com for more information

Exhibit Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday
11AM-5PM

Free Admission

3rd Saturday Documentaries

The Elegba Folklore Society presents 3rd Saturday Documentaries, a series of monthly film screenings at our Cultural Center that highlight the best of the diaspora's documentaries, films and filmmakers. Please visit ticket link for information regarding the featured documentary.

Every 3rd Saturday
5PM-8PM

Free Admission

In the Beginning… Virginia, Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans

Journey into Richmond’s history to visit the sites where few monuments exist. These newly marked sites tell the other half of the story; the story that lives between the pages of history books — in red, white and black. An interactive experience along the Trail of Enslaved Africans, attendees have the chance to ponder the impact of enslavement on the enslaved as shared in their own words and from their own view.

We invite participants in this program to gather at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center where the tour starts. Then we will board a bus to visit the sites along the trail. There will be some walking and some riding. Please wear comfortable shoes, and bring a bottle of water. Groups are welcome by reservation.

***Please visit the ticket link for available tour dates.***

Every Second Saturday
12P-3P

Free Admission
Register here

BLK RVA, powered by Atlantic Union Bank, is bringing you Banzai, the financial education program used by millions of teachers and students around the country, to you and your home. Experience real-world financial education in a fun, safe way.

Cost: FREE

Available 24/7
Register online at https://blkrva.learnbanzai.com/wellness