Photos by Sandra Sellars© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Photos by Sandra Sellars© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts RVA Community Makers marks its fifth anniversary (2023) as a public art project that highlights and illustrates the significant impact of local community members and their history in honor of Black History Month. This unique project brings together local artists, led by concept creator, Hamilton Glass and the greater RVA community, with a specific interest in African American community leaders, organizations, performers, and artists. Over the last 4 years, RVA Community Makers has celebrated 25 local community members and featured 13 different artists. RVA Community Makers' portraits honoring our selected subjects have been created using various artistic media: photographs, acrylic and vinyl paints, translucent cloth illuminated in light boxes and other mixed media.

Feb 15 | RVA Community Makers 2024

RVA Community Makers 2024 | Unveiling
Thu, Feb 15, 2024 | 6–7 pm
Cochrane Atrium
Free; no tickets required

Join us for the unveiling of the 2024 RVA Community Makers. VMFA’s sixth annual public art project once again celebrates Black History Month with an art installation that brings together local artists and the community to honor individuals who positively impact the Metro Richmond community.

Artists and creators Hamilton Glass and Unicia Buster will present this year’s public art installation—a work of tapestry and quilting to be installed alongside a quilt by Buster. Richmond-based Sisters of the Yam will be on hand to demonstrate quilt-making.

Inspired by VMFA’s photography exhibition Dawoud Bey: Elegy, RVA Community Makers 2024 addresses hidden histories and imaginative storytelling by honoring members of the community who strive to uncover and share stories of African American life. All are invited to partake in creating the public art project on Sunday, Feb 4, during VMFA’s Open Studio Sunday.