What’s up Norfolk! It’s Wednesday and we’ve got some rad stories to cover. Here’s what we’re watching:

💡Changemakers Welcomed to Assembly 💡

📽️Hampton Boyer Stuns with New Chrysler Exhibition 📽️

📆 Next Three Days of Events📆

💡Changemakers Welcomed to Assembly 💡

Assembly, an innovation “campus” in Norfolk, has announced its 2024 Changemakers in Residence.

12 individuals who are building businesses, communities, and culture right here in the 757 are getting access to the 50,000-square-feet of resources at Assembly to help them continue their work.

The Changemakers are:

🌟 Brenten Jomar Sims, Black Boy Joy Fest

🌟 Guillermo A. Fisher, 757ColorCoded, Inc.

🌟 Jamar Davis, JAM Entertainment

🌟 Keena Renée Carson, Creatives for Virginia

🌟 Lindsey Anderson, Vision Driven 757, INC.

🌟 Lionel Sapp, The Digital Builders 757

🌟 Marckel Bonds, Coffee Black

🌟 Nadd Harvin, GirlyPopHQ

🌟 Sheetal Ajmani, MD, Radiant Living Institute

🌟 Tenishea 'Teezy' Thomas, SoDopeStudios

🌟 Theo Jamison, Aspire to Inspire Music Group

🌟 Tremaine Etheridge, PHOND

These innovators are addressing community needs, enhancing local culture, and working at the cutting edge of their fields. Their projects will bring exciting new events, promote economic growth, and foster a stronger sense of community pride.

“In addition to the beautiful facilities, the community here is everything,” said Sheetal Ajmani, founder of the Radiant Living Institute. “To work in a space where there are so many creative, intelligent, and passionate people building their innovative ideas is truly inspiring.” 

The 2024 Changemakers in Residence program follows on the success of the 2023 inaugural class, which included 7 changemakers. 

“We are thrilled to expand and enhance our residency program this year,” said Drew Ungvarsky, Founder and CEO of Assembly and Grow. “There is incredible talent in our local community, and when combined with Assembly’s resources, we are confident that they will continue to grow local culture in innovative ways, further realizing the potential of our region.”

If you want to meet the Changemakers, you might run into them at one of Assembly's open-to-the public-events.

📽️Hampton Boyer Stuns with New Chrysler Exhibition 📽️

The Chrysler Museum of Art delves into themes of identity, race, and systemic injustice with Hampton Boyer's captivating exhibition, "Colors of Us".  Boyer, a Virginia-based self-taught artist, brings his vibrant, multi-layered style to the museum, fusing bold color and geometric forms to create evocative figurative works.

A Tapestry of Inspiration

Hampton Boyer's artistic journey draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of sources. Born in Philadelphia and raised in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, Boyer's work reflects his background. He incorporates elements from African folklore, literature, street art, graphic novels, music, and the work of both contemporary artists and art history masters. The resulting blend is a compelling visual expression that explores contemporary Black experiences.

Bold Forms, Powerful Messages

Boyer's paintings and collages are characterized by their striking use of color and form. Vivid hues and geometric shapes intertwine with complex textures, creating images that demand attention. These visually arresting works don't just please the eye; they also carry profound messages about social justice, exploring themes of identity, race, and systemic oppression.

"Only in America": A Collaborative Outcry

At the heart of  "Colors of Us"  lies Boyer's directorial debut, the short film "Only in America".  Created in collaboration with recording artist Matthew E. White, this powerful work confronts issues of police brutality and systemic racism in a deeply moving way.  

The film's five movements are driven by a soundtrack composed by White; haunting vocals come from visual and performing artist Lonnie Holley and Joseph "JoJo" Clarke, who leads an Atlanta-based gospel choir. Director of photography Stephen Miles contributes to the film's visual intensity.  Alongside Boyer's two-dimensional artworks, the film creates a visceral emotional experience that challenges the viewer to examine how color and perception can perpetuate injustice.

Experiencing "Colors of Us"

Hampton Boyer's "Colors of Us" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exhibition that invites viewers to confront complex social issues. It is a testament to the power of art to inspire introspection and incite change. Be sure to visit the Chrysler Museum and experience this exhibit firsthand. 

The exhibition is at “The Box” in the Chrysler Museum and runs through October 27th.

📆 Next Three Days of Events📆

WEDNESDAY:
Klassic Doughnut Popup at Cova Brewing. 7:00 am. Rip it. 
BizConnect Networking Coffee at Office Furniture Outlet. 8:30 am. Rip it.
NFK 2050 Popup Office Hours at Vessel Craft Coffee. 8:30 am. Rip it. 
NFK 2050 Popup Office Hours at Voyager Coffee. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Fixity performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Books and Brews Club at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Super Casual Wednesday Bike Ride departing Slow & Steady Bikes. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Induction to Screen Printing and Print Making at 757 Makerspace. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Boardgame Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:00pm. Rip it.
Car Crazy Cruise In at Doumar’s. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Run Club Wednesday Meetup at Benchtop. 6:20 pm. Rip it. 
Beyond the Blues: Exploring Queer Lives of Color in the Harlem Renaissance at Wells Theater. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Bhav Brigade Sunset Yoga near the Pagoa. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Smartmouth. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
The Wines of South Africa Tasting at Vino Culture. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
D&D Game Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Gwinnett Stripers at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it.
Planetarium Show at Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium. 7:00pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at MJ’s Tavern. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Torch Bistro. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Hank’s Filling Station. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Stockpot. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Azalea Inn Grill. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Harbor City Swing Social at Coalescence Coffee Company. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Admirals - Playoff Game 4 at Scope Arena. 7:05 pm. Rip it. 
Virginia Arts Fest: Grisha, Goryachev on guitar at Robin Hixon Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Blues for an Alabama Sky at Wells Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it. Hippie Sabotage performs live at the Norva. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Amanda and Roo perform live at Grace O'Malley's. 7:30 pm. Rip it.  

THURSDAY:
Dining Out For Life at Various Locations. All Day. Rip it. 
Norfolk Tide vs. Gwinnett Stripes at Harbor Park. 12:05 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Kick Back at Brother’s. 5:30 pm. Rip it. 
Carlton Baker performs live at Brother’s. 5:30 pm. Rip it. 
After Dark: Battleship Blast at Nauticus. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Thrilling Thursday Evening Ride w/ East Coast Bicycles. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Open Mic Night at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Know Your Rights Workshop at 757 Creative Reuse Center. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Ocean View Run Club Group Run/Walk at Stony’s Dockside. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Wicca: What is it? At Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Motown Mingle at Five Points Park. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Wines of South Africa Tasting at Vino Culture. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Elation. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Bold Mariner. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Pixel’s. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Trivia Night at Baxter’s. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Alabama and Lee Greenwood perform live at Chartway Arena. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Abolition Studies & Pen Pal Letter Writing at Eleanor’s. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Cypher Night at House Of Consciousness. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Piano Guys performs live at Chrysler Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Blues for Alabama Sky at Wells Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Asking Alexandria performs live at the Norva. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Amanda and Roo perform live at Grace O'Malley's. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Real Stories & Improvised Musical Comedy at Push Comedy. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Performers Playground Stage Workshop at The Venue on 35th. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 

FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo's Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Trail Beautification Days with the ERT. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Tidewater African Violet Show & Sale at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Flourish 2024 Exhibition Opening Reception at d’Art Center. 5:30 pm. Rip it. 
Bloody Hands, Dirty Knives - The Horrors of Victorian Medicine at Elmwood Cemetery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Myths & Legends: Victorian Spiritualism at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Night for the Fight at Chartway Arena. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Ben Long performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Tide vs. Gwinnett Stripes at Harbor Park. 6:35pm. Rip it.
Fact or Fiction 48-Hour Play Festival at Little Theater of Norfolk. 6:45 pm. Rip it.
IgNITE: Sprung at The Chrysler Museum of Art. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Wines of South Africa Tasting at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Michael Carson performs live at Brothers. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Open Mic Night at The Muse Writers Center. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at Chrysler Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Blues for an Alabama Sky at Wells Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Journey: Freedom Tour 2024 at Scope Arena. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
The Improv Riot All-Star Comedy Show at Push Comedy. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Amanda and Roo perform live at Grace O'Malley's. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Cultivated Mind performs live at Chicho’s Backstage. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
Harold Night at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live cast at Naro Cinema. 11:30 pm. Rip it. 

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